All language subtitles for Aberdeen.2019.720p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX]

Thank you.

So we invited Mia Weston, the
controversial journalist, into the

week. This is her first public interview
since being in the spotlight earlier

this year. Take a listen to some of the
highlights now.

So let's cut to what everyone's been
asking.

You allegedly witnessed this, this
sexual assault, two years ago?

Yes, late in my sophomore year.

And you didn't publish your experience
until earlier this year, like right

before graduation?

Yeah, that's true.

Look, I wasn't comfortable putting it
out then, but there's been a lot of

conversation on the topic now, and I
felt that this was the right time.

By conversation, you're referring to Me
Too, right?

Yes. I have a question, Evan.

Go ahead, Jim.

Did you ever think about how many of
these incidents you could have stopped

you just published this article sooner
to when it actually happened?

Thank you.

Welcome.

Desk. Over there across from Paisley.

My office in 5.

End of office, on the left. Don't keep
him waiting.

Thanks.

Come in.

We're very excited to have you here.

You feel the same?

Yeah.

It's great to finally have the chance to
write for the Chronicle after reading

it all these years.

Your family always got our paper?

Ever since it was only a weekly.

Simpler days, then.

Funny how it works, though. We've grown
so much since going to a daily, only now

to be moving in the direction of being a
weekly once again.

So the rumors are true?

Sure.

Every paper's downsizing.

We have a strong readership, but...

We're not immune to the times.

Competition is stiffer, less forgiving.

Seems like an odd time to hire a new
writer, then.

Why hire three burnout senior writers on
high pay when I can have one right out

of college?

Hungry for stories.

Very true.

I heard that cuts are mostly in sport.

Yeah.

That and the arts.

And business.

Politics.

Pretty much every department.

Those who stayed on are now covering
multiple sections of the paper.

Makes sense.

So, what other sections would I be
taking on?

Other sections?

No, no, you'll be covering high school
sports.

Just high school?

What about college?

Covering high school here is no small
task.

We want someone who can devote their
entire focus to it.

And who's willing to put in the hours.

I know. It's just that... That's what
our readers come for.

That's what this town is.

I know.

It's just that I've covered college for
three years now.

At a school paper.

I'm sorry.

I think you'll do a lovely job here. I
really do.

Everybody at the office was very
impressed with your work over the years

attention you've gotten.

Cover the games.

Compile the box scores.

The rest of the everyday stuff.

Shoot anything big come up you feel you
can't handle.

You can pass it off to a more senior
writer.

No, I think I'll be able to handle
everything.

Glad to hear it.

Your assignments will be on your desk in
the morning.

Goodbye, Mia.

I don't think I mentioned it last time,
but... You know I coached the football

team here for 13 years.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you were the coach
when I was there.

Is your brother still playing?

Yeah, backup kicker.

They're starting on the secondary, but
he's still only a sophomore.

Yeah, well, wish him the best.

Competition is stiff these days.

Hey. Hey, you okay?

Coach Sampson?

Coach Sampson, I... Can I help you? Is
that player alright?

Who?

Wheeler? Oh, he's fine.

Just took a bad shot, that's all.

Well... Excuse me for saying, but...
Water!

That looked worse than a bad shot. Is he
being sent for evaluation?

For what?

For the, um... I'm sorry. I'm Mia. I
work at the Chronicle. I'll be covering

game this Friday.

Oh, I see.

Well, Miss... It's just Mia.

Mia, right.

Well, Wheeler, he's fine. He's just
taking a rest before Friday's game.

You know, he's on track for beating the
season scoring record, which I assume

you already heard.

Well, that's great, but... Aren't you
concerned with his ability to play after

taking a hit like that? Look, miss.

Mia.

Hey, Mia, I know it looks bad out there,
but these boys, they're tough.

This game ain't for the gentle type, you
see.

They're here to play.

The gentle type?

I'm sorry, but I just, I don't think...
Matter of fact, why are you here? The

game isn't till Friday. This is our
practice.

I'm aware.

Well then, why don't you just scoot
along?

There's nothing to report here, Miss,
Miss Mia.

Kid just took a bad shot.

That's it.

Mom?

Dad?

Hi, Sam.

Yeah, I think it's all right.

The ball is pretty nice, I guess.

Well, it's fine. I understand.

Yeah, come with me.

I'll refer you to me.

Okay. Yeah, I will.

Okay. Bye.

Okay.

Yeah. Yeah, bye, Mom.

Bye.

I'll let you stay.

Uh, just for dinner.

Then I gotta finish moving stuff into my
apartment across town.

Mom and Dad will be late. You hungry?

Nah, I'm good.

You coming to the game Friday?

Yeah, I'm covering it.

You playing?

Man, I wish.

Nah.

Heard there's gonna be some scouts from
State though, so it kinda sucks I won't

be in.

But, unless somebody breaks an ankle,
I'll be sidelined.

I guess so.

Oh, and Mia?

Mhm? Be careful.

Careful of what?

I think I can handle some high school
boys. I know you can.

But these guys, they take it all pretty
seriously, you know?

They want to be made to look good.

Just don't... Just keep that in mind,
okay?

Right off the mirror, someone's
reputation again?

Those guys, Connor.

They got what they deserved.

The story needed to be written.

Yeah. Of course.

Look forget it. I know you can take care
of yourself.

I'm happy you're back in town.

Me too, Connor.

Thank you.

I'm sorry about how we got off on the
wrong foot the other day. I didn't mean

any offense. I was just worried about
the players.

Yeah, I mean, we need to work together
to be on the same page. I mean, we're

going to be seeing each other a lot
during your time at the paper. Very

Great game tonight, by the way. I saw
how you took that time out in the third

quarter to talk to the players. That was
a big turning point in the game. You

guys really got back into that.

Could you elaborate on what you said to
them?

Yeah, well, we were slipping away at
that point.

Like you said, I had to slow the game
down for the guys and remind them why

we're out here. And why's that?

Well, I mean, look at the fans. I mean,
every home game, no matter what, the

whole town shows up.

I mean, we're playing for them. I mean,
we're giving them the support they give

us. That makes sense, and the atmosphere
here is unmatched.

Coach, if I may, who made the decision
to bench Miles Mack tonight?

Was that decision disciplinary or injury
-related?

Injury? This kid's healthy.

So it's disciplinary, then. I never said
that.

Look.

We're dealing with off -field issues.

Nothing serious.

Off -field issues.

Care to comment further?

Look.

We are celebrating a big win tonight.

So why don't you just lay off? We're
talking about your all -state running

being benched out at the blue. What's
going on?

Coach Sampson, what about Wheeler? Is he
cleared for play?

Coach Sampson!

Fuck!

I've been here for how many years? We're
not letting you go, Paisley. The hell

you are. Our pay is already shit and you
just cut that in half.

You know we're struggling.

I bet you kept the girl on full time
though, right?

Typical. You know what?

Fuck you, Pat.

I'm just so done with this.

Okay, I definitely get off next time.
Well, I'm not listening to K -pop, so

bring my headphones.

Yeah, like your shit's any better.

Hey, Conor, wait a sec.

Yeah, I'm running late.

It's a night practice. You're 20 minutes
early.

Exactly.

Jesus. Okay, um, I just need to ask, do
you know anything about any off -field

issues with any of the starters?

What are you talking about?

With Miles, your best player, was
benched on Friday.

I asked Coach Samson, but he wouldn't
say anything.

It kind of seemed like he was hiding
something.

And?

I don't know if you know something.

Miles is a fucking idiot.

What are you talking about?

Come on.

I mean, these guys, they're serious.

I'm shooting for Washington State
College.

They're SEC or bug.

They'll do what they have to to get an
edge.

An edge? You mean like steroids?

No, I'm not talking about this with you
right now, okay?

These guys are ahead of you on the depth
chart. Doesn't that make them

competition? I've just heard things.

People talk, you know.

Okay.

Yeah, yeah, you're on the right track,
but... I gotta get to practice.

You didn't hear any of this from me,
okay?

Sure.

Promise me, Mia.

I'm not like you.

I'm not gonna be a rat.

Look. Okay, Connor, I get it. I get it.
Good.

Connor.

Be careful.

Mile?

Hi. Hi.

Sorry to catch you like this.

I'm Mia. I'm with the Chronicle.

Okay.

Can I help you?

Yeah. You see, I'm writing a story on
you and your impressive performance.

I've been following you since the start
of the season. You've really done a lot

for this team.

I mean, yeah, I guess so.

Maya, you said? Mia.

So do you mind if I ask you a few
questions on my story?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Quickly, though, I mean, you know, I've
got to get to practice.

Coach actually mentioned your name, I
think.

Oh? How do you mean?

He said you were painted in the ass,
throwing up trouble, you know, that sort

thing. Well, I don't know about that.

Obviously, I didn't mean that. I'm just
meeting you. Oh, no, no, don't worry

about it.

You know, I saw Wheeler take that hard
hit last week, and I was concerned.

It looked pretty bad, but I saw him on
the field the next day, so I guess his

evaluation checked out.

Evaluation? Uh, yeah, for the head.

Oh, yeah, that.

No, no, no evaluation. Coach usually
tries to avoid that sort of thing.

You mean he wasn't checked for a
concussion?

Is that not standard procedure with head
injuries?

No, is this article on me, or...? Oh,
yeah, yeah, of course. I'm just trying

get a better picture of the environment
before I focus in on you, you know?

Yeah, well, if I'm being truthful, I
don't really know how much Coach pays

attention to that whole paperwork stuff.

It's probably for the better, actually,
because it allows him to, you know,

focus more on play calls, field work,
and for Wheeler, well, he should know

better than to ask for an evaluation.
Come on.

Um, well, we should not be talking here.
I don't think Coach would like it.

Do you have any more questions for your
story, of course, my number or

something?

No, I think I have what I need.

Hi. Sorry about the wait. We're turning
a new employee. What can I get for you

today? Black coffee, pump a hazelnut,
please.

Size?

Grande. That's the medium one, right? We
have a small, medium, and large like

normal people. I'll take a medium then.
Thank you. You got it.

Thanks.

Yeah, I think Harvard wants me for like
a full ride or something like that. I

don't know. We'll see how it all works
out in the end.

Hmm? Nothing. That's really cool. I've
heard that.

That's awesome.

Yeah. Yeah.

I think you're getting a phone call.

I am.

Connor? Mia.

Hey.

So who's this?

This is Karen. Shira.

My girlfriend.

Just a friend, actually.

But, hi.

You must be Mia. Yeah.

So, sorry to interrupt, but did you get
that email?

Um, what?

Yeah, the dates are all locked for our
service trip.

Oh, did Connor not tell you?

He practically runs a service
organization out in East London. They

of youth homelessness there, and Connor
helps them get fed or find a foster home

or adoption.

Really?

Yeah, and we have this family we try and
visit once a year. Whenever we go out

there, Connor basically organizes the
whole thing.

Really helps the community.

Black coffee, one pump hazelnut.

Well, that's me, and I have a lot of
work to do, so it was lovely to meet

Kira. You too.

Hi, Faisley.

Hi.

Thanks for the...

Good boy.

Talk to you soon.

I don't feel right.

Paisley!

Hey, uh, do you need a lift?

Oh, I'm good. Just walking.

You going home? I can give you a ride.

No, I'm good. You know I need my
exercise.

Well, it ain't gonna be a pretty walk in
a moment.

Your car broken down or something?

So, where are we going?

Just follow the road up here. I'll tell
you where to turn.

I'm going to wait here until you ride,
Jova.

Guess you'll be waiting here for a
while, then.

I've got time.

I'm locked out of my apartment. Left my
keys at my parents' place on the east

side. Oh, well, we can go get them.

When are they, like, you know, two or
three hours away?

Well, this weekend, then.

And tonight you can stay at my place. I
have an article I'd like you to look

over anyway.

I guess your place works, then.

But I have a lot of work to do.

Do you know what my favorite article of
yours is?

You read my article?

Yeah.

I don't know. The, um, the bathroom
football players one, like everyone

swear that's the only one anybody ever
read. No, no, no, no.

The, the Sonics one.

Really?

Yeah, I mean, you did your research, you
thought big, and we started a movement.

Well, we still don't have a team, so I
guess it wasn't that successful, huh?

That's not the point.

Well, I mean, it kind of sort of is,
but... You know, it still made progress,

and... Dammit, it added to your
following, didn't it?

Yeah.

Thank you. Um, how did you even find it,
though?

Online.

Which is where the Chronicle should
stay, if you ask me.

Online only?

I'd still have my job.

We would cut so much spending, but...

Pat just has way too much pride to...
I'm sorry.

No, you're good.

Well, uh, speaking of that, you said you
have some work stuff for me to look at,

right? Oh, yeah, but it's nothing.

Come on.

Thank you.

Stop?

Yeah.

This was terrible.

I'm kidding.

Come on.

It's actually pretty good.

I'm just wondering, why did you include
so little about the HGH and the

steroids? I couldn't find enough to back
that up. I was actually going to take

it out of the headline.

Oh, no. That's one of the main parts.

Well, how did you back up the whole
concussion thing?

Uh, doctor's notes.

See... Technically, once the notes are
given to the coach, a public school

employee, the notes themselves become
public records.

But doesn't that go against, like, every
FERPA and HIPAA law? Yeah, that's what

I thought. But since he's 18 and the
notes don't disclose anything health

-related, just how long he'd be out for,
it's public.

Okay. What?

Don't you see?

So, Pacific School District changed
their drug testing policies about, like,

years ago, right? Mm -hmm.

So I always thought that these were
covered under the FERPA and HIPAA law.

But look.

The same concept applies.

Yeah.

Wish I'd known that a week ago.

My only shot to get this printed is
tomorrow when I meet with Pat and these

records are going to take a while.

Well, you have to get that in tomorrow.

Otherwise, you'll be way too late into
the playoffs.

So?

Well, they'll think you're trying to
sabotage them again.

Again.

You know what I mean.

We'll go first thing in the morning.

Hello? Oh, yeah. It's actually Paisley.

We're on our way, though.

She's drafting the article right now.

Yeah.

Okay, okay. All right, we'll see you
soon. All right, bye.

You need to hurry up. He is not happy.

And, oh, you're going to have to reprint
that, by the way.

Thank you. Appreciate it.

This is it?

Hmm? The article I've been working on?

The assignment?

Is the headline too much? I can turn
that down.

Mia.

What?

What do you expect me to do with this?

Publish it.

No.

No, Mia, no.

You're joking, right?

I can't.

It's shit.

I can't, Mia.

I can't publish this.

This is our community, our people.

I don't understand. Isn't this our job?

I just back -checked all of this. It's
all backed up with public records.

I know these families.

I've covered these kids for years.

Heck, a few of them, Mia, I even
coached.

They worked their whole lives towards
something. You really want to penalize

them for...

Wanting it a little too badly?

Pat, you can't begin to tell me that
this is what's best for them.

You know it's not.

If we expose this, it gets fixed.

We're helping.

Yeah.

How long will that take to happen?

These families' kids will be long gone
by then.

These are slow, painful processes.
You're not starting this.

Not in my time.

This is a big story, Pat.

You know that.

But I don't think you'd fully realize
what a big story could do for the paper

right now.

No secret that we're struggling.

Laying people off, combining
departments.

Hell, you should be hungry for a story
like this that'll actually make the

Chronicle relevant again.

Aberdeen deserves to know.

Is there any way... What?

Never mind.

Can you go back to work?

We're not going to do this, okay?

It's not the Chronicle I'm putting
without the morale.

Good luck with that.

Now...

When you approach the ball, you're going
to want to use your legs, okay?

You're going to want to plant them into
the ground. Really soak up the energy

from the ground into your legs, all
right?

And then you just plant and follow
through.

Now say it with me.

Plant and follow through.

Okay, you got this, champ. Just keep
your eye on the ball.

Okay, that's good. That's called an
onside kick, which is great.

Can be great when strategy comes up. I
can't do it, Dad. I suck. No, come on.

It's our first time. Come back. We just
need a little practice, all right? You

can do this. I'm telling you.

Now remember, it's all about follow
through. You want to finish with your

pointing towards the sky, okay?

You got this.

Whoa! Are you kidding me? Are you
kidding me? Did you see that?

You're a natural.

Future kicker for state right there. Oh,
yes!

Let's do it again.

A letter and everything, and then
nothing in response?

Nope. Nothing. Just a cold.

Screw him, Chet.

That's what I say.

I don't know, man.

Maybe, I don't know, one day.

Just one day.

Keep an eye on yourself, Bill.

Sorry, am I interrupting the weekly soap
opera?

Speaking of which, how's your lady
friend doing?

Yeah, I heard she's part -time now.

I don't know.

Not great.

Still not sure why it wasn't one of you
two clowns instead.

It very well could be soon.

Yeah. If only she wasn't sad.

High school sports are big, but not that
big. What?

Paisley needs to cover high school.

It wasn't too long ago. Things are
changing quickly.

Rumor is they might be merging
departments soon.

Right. I could cover the knitting
festival right after some sea team

Living the dream.

Such a lifesaver. Thank you, sweetie.

Have time to stay?

Uh, no.

Well, come on. We're just cleaning up
after a bunco. Natalie's stopped by,

I'd rather not.

Oh, come on. You haven't seen her in
ages.

You two used to be so close.

Okay, but if she says like more than
five times, I'm out. Oh, stop it. You

what I mean. You can't get through a
conversation with her without her saying

it. Oh, you are overreacting. It's fine.
You two were practically sisters. Yeah,

that's the way she says it. Yeah, I'm...
Okay, okay.

Okay, fine. Just for a bit.

You should, like, come back to campus
sometime.

You could, like, hang.

Yeah, of course. I'd love to.

These people.

Man.

It's like a different world out here.

I'm Ted.

I work for Washington State.

Oh. The college.

Uh, yeah, I know. Um, you said it's
Cedric?

Uh, no.

My name is Ted.

Your name, though.

It's been getting a lot of buzz
recently.

We could help each other out here.

It's a common thing for writers to do
some freelance work on the side.

Trust me.

Paisley's done some for us before.

That's between us.

I won't go into too much detail, but
small -town paper like yours can be very

persuasive when signing day comes around
each year.

Oh.

Look, Mia.

You're a talented writer.

I can offer you a platform, an audience.

Something you won't get at the
Chronicle.

Well, what do you need done?

That sexual assault piece you wrote?

What about it? We want to hire you to do
a few investigative articles at the U.

On the same issue.

Well, that sounds great, but I... But?

You're too busy covering a JV girls
soccer game that'll end up three pages

in a weekly? Hey, the Aberdeen Chronicle
is a daily.

Still.

Look.

Here's my card.

Give it some thought.

Meet for coffee tomorrow at 6 p .m.?
Okay.

You write for the Chronicle, don't you?

Yeah.

I've seen you out there, covering the
games. It's great stuff.

Some of the people around here may not
appreciate it now, but they will when

they look back on these days.

Thank you.

That's very kind.

It must be easy, though.

Writing here, I mean.

Why's that?

Well, there's always another success
story.

Always someone doing good for Aberdeen.

Thanks. Yeah, I know.

Just remember it.

I don't think you'd be turning your back
on this community.

You'd just be doing what's best for
yourself. If I cared about what's best

me, I wouldn't have become a journalist.

You want to help people?

So start investigating real issues.

Real issues?

I mean, come on, it's high school.

All I'm saying is, you'd be fooling
yourself if you think you can go on

the local girl.

Okay, well, what's the gig?

There's a pattern of sexual assault at
the U.

Football players, mostly.

Players sign and listen a week.

You want to help people?

Expose this.

Help us fix this.

I need the article in six days.

What? That's nowhere near enough time
for an article of this size. You're not

Spotlight. I just need a brief article
on arrival.

And I need it in six days.

What brings you here, then?

Uh, kind of a side story I'm working on.
I need to look into the football team a

little, though. Do you know where I can
find Luke?

Um, he's not really on campus much
anymore, but he'll be at a party

assume. Which one?

Kai Sig?

I don't know. He still hangs out with
the football guys.

Kai Sig, isn't that... That's Jared's.

That'll be interesting.

You're fine. It'll be, like, a big
party. I'm sure you won't even see him.

Yeah, hopefully.

Uh...

Yeah, I've got to run.

Thanks, though. Yeah.

Working on it as we speak.

Following the lead. Who?

Luke Foster.

Foster. Why do I know that name?

He had a history of assaulting girls.
Got caught once and took off the team.

Think he'll give you something?

I think so.

Okay. We need something soon. We meet
tomorrow night.

Foster, lead better turn something up or
we're pulling the plug.

Copy that.

Hey, Jared.

Mia, what are you doing here?

I mean, I'm sorry. It's great to see
you, but... I was just on campus

friend. Sorry, because I like to stop
by.

Well, that's awesome.

Yeah, why don't you come on in?

Let me get me something to drink.

I'll be right back.

All good?

Um, I actually can't hear or see
someone. I'm looking for a Luke Foster

here. You and Luke?

It's not like that.

Oh, okay. I mean, you could if you
wanted. Don't feel like you need to,

Uh, thanks.

You're good.

How about we get coffee sometime and
catch up? It's been a while.

Like that.

So, do you happen to know where Luke is?

Hey, what up, man?

Hey, what up, dude?

This is my, uh, friend, Mia.

Hey, uh, you and Kai's big too?

Uh, no, I'm just, uh, visiting. It's
always good to see some old friends, you

know?

What's up, dude?

You know where Luke is, actually?

Foster? Yeah.

Why? Yeah, Mia was wondering.

Mia? Oh my god, I can't believe you're
here!

You never come to these things! Why are
you here? Uh, yeah.

You two,

I feel like I've seen you two together.
Where did you say Luke was?

Oh, yeah, he's over there by the table.

Cool, thanks.

Yeah? Hi, I'm Mia.

Nice to meet you, Mia.

Do you want me to get you a drink?

No, it's okay.

So, um... So you're on the football
team, right?

Well, I was.

What do you mean?

Long story.

I had a good time.

Oh, alright, well... Still not really a
great story.

Kind of boring, I'd say.

and you really seem like the type who
thinks it's boring.

Oh, it's just curious.

Just wondering why a guy like you wasn't
down on that field today.

I know.

The whole team does the same shit. Why
am I the one who has to go down?

Call you first thing in the morning,
okay?

You sure you don't want me to come with?

Coldness Even already Mia

Thank you for coming over.

Hey.

Good morning, sweetie.

Hey. Do you want any coffee or tea?

Glasses. Psycho.

Thanks.

They knew my name.

Had you, um... Had you seen them before?

I couldn't see the faces.

That you saw.

Two guys in hoods, and you were just
with that Luke and that guy, right?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

I know you called about this, but did
anyone call 911 after you found Natalie?

Jared did, when Natalie and I were in
the bathroom.

Natalie was, I don't know, quiet when we
were there.

Well, it's normal, I think.

But just think of how, like, you would
respond to all of this.

All you can do is be there for her.

I'll try.

Well, I have a shift soon, but please
just let me know if you need anything at

all. Okay, sweetie.

Hello? Hello?

You know, in Aberdeen, people look out
for one another.

I think you have the wrong number.

No, Mia. I believe I don't.

Who is this?

I'm going to call the police, you
asshole.

You're lucky you were too much of a
coward to show your face. Whoa, what's

the hostility?

Sad you didn't get someone's number last
night?

Or would that have made your little
girlfriend jealous?

What the hell is your problem?

Your little brother's trying out for a
spot in state, right?

Hopefully, we don't see another article
on this anytime soon.

We would hate to have to drag your
brother into all this.

Stay away from my family.

I think I remember seeing him at Cobain
Memorial, shooting up with all those

other tweaks.

I don't know.

It'd be an interesting headline.

you need to get your ass

Don't call me that anymore, you piece of
shit! Fuck you!

Well, it looks painful.

I hope it gets better soon.

Let me know if you need anything, okay?

Okay.

What have you got for us?

Uh... I didn't turn up anything.

Dead end.

Tell me more about the events that took
place at the party.

I don't know what you expect me to say.

It's a dead end.

Do you remember the contract you signed
with us?

It breaks your agreement with the
Chronicle.

They'd be forced to terminate you.

But you said Paisley did it too. No, I
didn't.

Now, Pat doesn't have to know. Just hand
over your investigation on Foster.

What, so you can trash the U, steal
their star recruits, even though you

damn?

Damn well, you guys are doing the same
shit.

We're trying to build our program, Mia.

Now I know how hard it is for you girls
in this industry.

Please, let me give you this
opportunity.

Our platform.

First of all, I don't need your
handouts.

And secondly, platform?

No one this side of the Cascades gives a
shit what you guys say.

Fuck off back to Hickville.

I'm working.

I have too many of you players and
coaches as they come out.

No, I'm still waiting for them.

All right.

All right.

Stop it.

Thanks, man.

Must be nice.

People hyping you up even after a shitty
game like that.

It's a good enough game to get your mom
wet, man. What the fuck did you just

say? You just heard me.

Oh, yeah.

48. Pretty sure I burnt your ass at the
20 yard line, huh? Ran all the way to

the end zone as your fat ass fell on the
ground.

Yeah, well I'm pretty sure I laid you
the fuck out on my 50.

You come to our house every year and we
smoke your team every fucking year. You

already know that. You're gonna talk
shit about me? Do you even know who I

Do you even know who I am, man? You
wanna fucking start some shit?

What? Hey, stand down! Stand down!

Go to your corner! Go to your corner!

Mia, did you see Connor when you went
down there?

Is he okay?

No, I couldn't even get past the doors.

I'm sure he's fine, though.

Well, I called him a few times. He
hasn't answered. Mom, relax.

He just booted up. The phone is probably
in his bag or something.

Oh, wait. I see him now.

Is he hurt?

Any more trips to the hospital, and I am
pulling him out of this.

Yeah, it's fine. He looks fine. Just
wait there. I'll check on him.

Hey. Hey. You all right?

Yeah. That was wild.

You need to do it?

Well, Mom and Dad are grabbing the car.

They're worried about you. They want you
in the back of an ambulance or some

shit. Why would I be?

Never mind.

So, what's going to happen now?

I don't know. Coach said half our
starters will be out for next week.

You're kidding.

Can you come over for dinner?

Sure.

Tell Mom and Dad I'll meet you there.

Okay.

So the game was a close one, 21 -17
final. But the real story starts after

game. The teams erupted into violence
when star running back Miles Mack, an

Oakville punter, got into a physical
altercation in the parking lot. And in

local sports...

So, Connor, how are you feeling?

Fine.

Are you sure?

I just said I was fine. You know, if the
refs would have put their foot down and

gotten a hold of that game, tensions
wouldn't have gotten so high.

Nothing I could have done.

Smart not to get involved.

You would have been suspended too.

Not like it would have mattered.

Come on, man. With an attitude like
that, you're never going to see the

It all starts up here.

Did you at least get a few good, clean
hits in? No. I thought that was your

forte. You're a kicker. I didn't even
play in the game.

Now my fucking place to hop in that
fight. Excuse you. Watch your mouth,

You know, maybe if you didn't have such
a bad attitude, you'd get to play a

little bit more. Just stop asking stupid
questions.

Calm. I am calm.

Don't worry about it, sweetie.

Yes, me.

Those coaches, they could just go to
hell. There's no reason you shouldn't be

out there starting. Regina, please stop.
I don't want to encourage this kind of

behavior. She's not encouraging
anything, Dad.

She's disappointing her son. I guess you
wouldn't know what that looks like.

Mia, you can't just go off to college
for a couple years and come back here

trash everything we stand for in this
household. It's called getting out of

bubble. Maybe you could try it once.
Bubble? Who do you think you're talking

You know, just because you went to
college with a bunch of gooks doesn't

you can... I'm serious.

The type of attitude you learned there
is a bad influence on your brother.

he could stand to get out of the bubble
too.

Don't put me in the same category as
him. What if that's a bad thing? Just

the fuck up, Mike. Mike, that's it.
Phone, now. Go to your room. No. Go to

room.

Fuck you. Get out!

Leave them for you, Regina.

You want to act like a man, you'll get
treated like one.

How's the salmon?

It's good.

Actually, the billet I've cooked.

I've been meaning to ask you, this
message on his phone, what is primo?

Is that pot?

Um, I don't know.

I don't think so.

Well, that explains his behavior. Man, I
knew this burnout in high school.

Honey, remember Stuart?

I don't know what I always thought. I
always had this dead look in his eyes.

That was his glaucoma, Mike.

Oh.

Well, either way, I don't like it.

What's Connor been up to outside of
football?

You know, girls, school. Friends,
homework.

You guys don't bother to ask about
anything else?

Well, you know what? Kids are like that
age to me. I can barely get three words

out of him.

What?

Um, I'm going to take off.

You just got here.

Yeah, I know, but I think I left the
stove on or something.

Hey, after all this time, you might as
well stay. That place is toast.

Not funny.

Connor's gonna be fine, okay? He just
needs to man up a little bit.

Yeah, um... Yeah, maybe.

Uh, I gotta go, though.

Keep me updated with Connor.

Can't let them win.

I don't even know how he got my number
in the first place.

Those girls.

They need someone to get justice for
them.

They need it, Mia.

Thank you.

I appreciate the perspective of our
local journalist slash barista.

You can fill me in on what the community
says if I buy their weekly gallons of

coffee. Yeah, laugh all you want.

But the truth is... What?

These weren't on sale at work. Oh?

Employee discount, though.

I mean, it has its perks, I guess.

Do you... Do you ever feel like we chose
the wrong industry?

Yes.

every single day.

Then why the hell do we put ourselves
through this?

If you're looking for someone to give
you a bullshit motivational speech,

come to the wrong girl.

But I think the fact that we question
ourselves so much

and we're able to justify it each time
shows how many reasons we have.

Amen. Just keep thinking bigger, okay?

The way I see it, I played it safe my
whole entire life,

and I still ended up here.

Well, it ain't nothing wrong with where
I'm at. It ain't half bad.

Look, what I'm trying to say is,

If this is as low as you can fall, then
trust me.

You have nothing to be scared of.

Just throw in all your chips.

What if... With all this attention, what
if this is

my peak?

It's not.

You may fall flat on your face about
three more times before you get your

big break.

It's not a mite.

I will.

You know, there's something about you.

You're not at your peak.

Not yet.

Not yet.

So I got a shift early in the morning.

Do you want to just crash here?

Yeah.

Yeah, actually I do.

Cool. Well, this way.

Connor.

Jesus.

What time is it?

Did you walk all the way here?

Look, sit down.

I just had a friend staying over.

What the hell is up with you tonight?

You sound like Regina.

Regina?

Connor, what's going on?

I've been working hard.

Nobody sees it.

I know Dad doesn't, but... I know a lot
of the other players

are... What?

You know.

Are you taking anything?

Holy shit.

I'm finally getting the Mia Weston that
the rest of Aberdeen talks about. I'm

your sister, Connor.

You can talk to me.

What?

So you can go write about it in your
stupid paper.

Think I'm going to snitch on the team?

On myself like that?

I've tried, Mia.

I've tried to do it.

Staying late after practice twice a
week, doing everything I can for coach.

know, the whole politics routine.

I've even been working with that kicking
coach Dad hired.

And you know what's come of it?

Nothing. Not even a second.

Not even a minute.

Not even if we're up by 20.

We're not all on steroids. Stop covering
for them.

I know you don't even like some of them
that much.

I'm gonna think this is what you have to
do.

That this is the only way, but... But
what?

What the hell's wrong with that? I just
don't want to see you throw everything

away for a few weeks of glory that no
one's gonna remember.

Says the girl in her mid -twenties,
still covering high school sports.

Hey, could you give us a second?

If I can... I'm a lesbian.

I always knew it.

Connor!

Jesus, how many more doors are you going
to storm through tonight?

Please, can't we just stop and talk?

Where are you going?

You know, I remember when Dad used to
take you up to the school.

You'd practice kicking and passing and
whatever else.

I know I put up a fuss, but I secretly
loved coming along on those trips.

And now you're here, and... I just
wanted to say that I'm happy I've been

to be here through all of this.

For you.

Too bad I'll never see the field.

I'll never start here.

Because of one year?

You're young. You'll work your way up.

I've seen you do it before. This is no
different. No.

Why?

Connor, talk to me, please.

I'll never get a chance to prove myself
while you're here.

Writing for the Chronicle, trashing this
team.

Coach Sampson, he hates you.

And I know he's taking that out on me.

What do you want me to do, Connor?

What's keeping you here in Aberdeen,
Mia?

My job.

I would lose that and...

And so what?

Connor, if there's ever anything that
you need to talk about, please just tell

me.

I've been through it all, and I can
help.

I just think you should find a new job.

In a different town.

I'm sorry about tonight.

And what you walked in on.

It's not because of that.

Mia.

You know it's not because of that.

I'm gonna let Mom and Dad know you're
here.

Bye, Connor.

It's like you could use another.

Oh, no. I can get my own.

Easy, big fella. Not like that.

Sorry. I just, uh, lately... It's all
right.

Seemed like you could have used it.

Get your mind off that.

Yeah.

Well, that's it.

I'll take another beer if the office
feels bad.

You got it.

Another one for, um... Mia.

Mia.

The name's Taryn.

Taryn Wilkin?

The writer?

Guilty.

You've read my work?

Uh, no, actually.

Of course you haven't.

You have.

I know your name, though.

You're a local celebrity.

Celebrity? Shit, I don't know about all
that.

Well, you're just about the only name
people know around here outside of

football, so I guess that makes you
something of a celebrity.

If you think so.

You're a writer?

Me? No. I mean, yeah.

Journalism. I work at the Chronicle.

Journalism? Well, yeah, you're a writer.

More so than most.

I never had the stones for journalism
myself.

What do you mean?

Look, what I write, it's simpler.

I gotta tell lies to tell the truth, but
you have to. You have to tell the truth

to show the lies.

That ain't easy.

Yeah, what if no one wants to hear the
truth?

There's no truth left.

Listen, fuck what they want to hear. You
make enough noise, they'll have to

listen. You can count on that.

The reason I'm here tonight.

Chris. Hey. Chris, I want you to meet my
new friend, Mia.

She's a reporter at the Herald here in
town.

Nice to meet you.

He's a reporter.

The Times.

Oh, no shit. The Times.

Yep.

Chris Ocampo.

Yep.

I've definitely read a few of your
columns.

We're going to grab a table over here.

Nice meeting you, Mia. Do you mind?
Could I get your autograph before you

Of course.

You're that Weston daughter, right?

What are you doing out here watching my
son's practice?

Working on another story to ruin his
future too?

I'm sorry? You know, my older son, he
trained day in and day out.

Nine years. Nine.

He's got offers from Central, Idaho,
Eastern.

Even the large school coaches are
calling him. Wow, that's very

You're damn right it's impressive.

That all vanished this morning.

Everything retracted, all thanks to your
fake news blog post.

I didn't make up anything, sir. I know
what I saw.

Maybe you should talk to your kid about
it.

You even think about what you post?

Jesus!

What are you doing here?

I heard you've been meeting with some
papers across the state.

I was wondering why you didn't stop by
the Times.

I don't know. A jump from a small -town
paper to the Times seemed a bit

unrealistic.

That's a main article you wrote.

Really?

Oh.

Yeah, we all like the research you've
done on it, and we'd be interested in a

multiple -part series on the topic.

Nowhere near a full -time job.

We're not hiring right now.

What do you say?

Yeah. Yeah, of course. Thank you.

My number's on the card. Feel free to
send me yours in your email and we'll

in touch.

Okay. Thank you so much.

Looking forward to working with you.

This was not an easy decision.

You guys are all established writers and
easily find jobs elsewhere.

Except maybe Chad.

But, seriously, I should have let
everyone know.

Weeks ago.

Even when this was just talk.

Sorry, guys.

Hey, what's going on?

Um... Pat just announced that the board
vote shut down the paper.

He's known about it for a while.

Where's Paisley?

She and Paul got engaged a few weeks
ago.

Guessing Pat probably filled her in on
what's going on.

Probably took off.

I should have told you earlier.

The article.

I've been a coach, a teacher, and an
editor.

I'm still a father.

I don't think this is your town.

Aberdeen?

A friend of mine has a paper merging
with a few others.

South Bend area.

Got Paisley a job there.

I can make another call if you want it.

I think I'm going to get a place in
Seattle.

They hired you full time?

Not yet.

Not yet?

Not yet.

Anyway, I figured I should just call
you.

I wanted to hear from you.

And hear your voice.

I'm not really sure if all this is worth
it.

Or what's to come of it. Or if I even
have the money for it. But I'm just

rolling with it.

I have a feeling it could go somewhere,
though.

These drop interviews, I mean.

Sorry for how I left.

And I wish I would have just brought you
along with me on this, but...

Thank you for the advice you gave me.

I'm getting out of Aberdeen.

Thinking big, like you said.

Even if all these editors are the same.

I don't sleep much anymore.

But I still see it.

I see it right in front of me sometimes.

Both of them now.

You know, Pat tried to tell me that
these are just kids I'm writing about,

but... I've seen them.

And what they grow into.

This keeps me going, it's nothing else.

We both could say we haven't changed a

bit.

And we're all so clean like the spaces
between the stones

beneath the sea.

But they're just stones to me.

There's no time for us.

And while in a way, we're just a
lipstick stain on the carpet of

our lives.

Like all good things will run.

Thank you.

Give it one last chance The cigarette
smoke used to

make me choke Cause I wanted to be free

But now it's all the same

lovers sing and they will forevermore I

wish we could go and explore