Original subtitles

-Glad you could make it. -Wouldn't miss being here

with you guys for the world. You know that.

-Hey, Pop. -What's good?

Yesterday was difficult for all of us.

A lot of conflicting feelings must have come up.

No, we were pretty cool with it.

You didn't give that impression.

Meeting your mom again for the first time--

no one saw that coming.

Oh, we thought you were talking

about Pop sleeping at the grands' again last night.

-No. -SAMANTHA: It would be nice

if he came home again.

Bring the pack back together.

He's here now because we thought

that it was important that we are both supportive

of whatever you choose to do about seeing your mother.

-We saw her. -MARTIN: In the future.

SAMANTHA: June-- she came,

and she said what she had to say.

She got it all off her chest.

She saw that we're safe and happy.

That should be enough.

I sure hope it's enough.

But she did a very good thing

for herself and for our family, and we need to remember that.

We don't need another parent.

Tyrell and I already have the best.

Laying it on a little thick, aren't you?

She's right. We got lucky. We know that.

I pass people like that all the time on the street.

-People who are less fortunate. -Like June.

And I know that we don't say it enough, but thank you.

Everything that we are, we owe it to you.

I think they're saying we're the perfect parents.

Nobody said anything like that.

But you are perfect for us.

And if you were worried about last night

or maybe before you left, you were talking

about whether or not we'll stop loving you,

or whether or not we'll want to move in with June...

-This child was listening. -Are you surprised?

You don't have to worry.

We like it here.

It's where we keep all our stuff.

And we'll be coming back for years and years.

TYRELL: And we'll probably never move out.

Ever.

-[phone ringing] -Oh, um, we almost forgot.

Oh. June's supposed to call.

Oh. We have to give her our answer?

-It's going to be okay. -Just be firm.

Naomi?

I hope you're recovering

after our impromptu reunion last night.

We are.

We're well.

Thanks again for accommodating us.

How is everyone?

Probably along the lines of whatever you're imagining.

Have Tyrell and Samantha made up their minds

about seeing June again?

MARTIN: They have.

Please tell June that they have decided

that they would like to keep things

as they are, without further visitation.

I see.

Well, thank you so much.

Talk to you later.

And sorry it isn't the answer she wants.

I'll handle everything. Don't worry.

I love you.

Love you, too.

Well, what did they say?

♪ ♪

Mama, I got us some coffee, so...

Welcome, dear. Enter and behold.

What is all of this?

I have arrived, and now I reside

in the land of milk and honey, hunty.

Ah, where the nouveau riche speak in bad British accents?

Hmm. Well, there has been a change.

Can't you feel it?

Um, everything looks the same.

Okay, maybe to the uneducated eye, perhaps.

But for me, the air is crisper,

this coffee will taste as of sunshine,

and everything in the world is right.

And look at me.

I'm smiling, and actually meaning it.

You're really happy.

Ecstatic.

For the first time, there are two things I know

that will take me places.

What do you know?

Where I come from and where I'm going.

Oh, okay, okay. I'll play it along.

-I'll play it along. -Oh, play. Oh, play.

What's your next step?

Well, to check on a friend of the family.

Miss Anita Williams-Dupree.

See, if it weren't for her,

my mama wouldn't be where she is today.

Tyrell and Samantha have decided.

Um...

And their answer is "no."

What do you mean, "no"?

No, not today?

They-they won't see me today.

We can make it happen some other time.

Tomorrow, the next day.

-I'm flexible. -June, I think

what Naomi is trying to say is...

I know how much this meant to you,

and I'm so sorry,

but they don't want to have another meeting.

I can't see them?

Just one last time, even, just to...

to say goodbye?

I'm afraid we'll have to leave things as they are.

But just one last time...

Was it something I did? Was it something I said wrong?

No. No, nothing like that.

My manners are not good anymore.

They're living in that beautiful house.

Maybe I was too much.

I was just so happy.

I scared them?

If they can just give me a second chance...

I'm sorry, June.

Well, I got to see them that one time,

and that's...

all there is to it.

I thought I heard you on the phone.

We're expecting company.

Leslie Thomas.

Oh, not her again.

What's she up to now?

Better to know the answer than to be caught off guard again.

Which is why I am allowing her

to drop by and see us.

Well, I have this video meeting with the history chair

at Banneker, but I can reschedule it.

Oh, I forgot about that.

But no, no, no need to change your plans.

And leave you alone to fend for yourself

with a woman whose go-to is stirring the pot?

Well, since I know you have neither slept with

nor fathered a child with Leslie Thomas,

there's a limit to the damage she can do, so,

have your meeting.

I don't need a hall monitor.

Perhaps she's coming to beg you to stop blackballing her.

I have done nothing of the kind.

If she has been kept out of polite society,

-that's her doing. -Hmm.

She could want an autograph, I suppose, huh?

Saw you up on that stage

and realizes how close to greatness she is.

Well, as long as she is not coming here

with designs on snatching my man.

Oh, he's not available.

Apparently, that's her type.

All the more reason for you to leave her to me.

I'm only suggesting we should take things slower.

Lord, here comes Grandma.

Why the rush?

And why is Anita Dupree the first person you need to see?

Because I can feel my mother's hand guiding me from beyond,

showing me the way, making things right.

Motherless child no more.

But you have more important things to do, Mama,

like contacting the estate attorney

so you can have a better idea

of what this inheritance really means for your future.

I don't need anybody to tell me that.

All I need right now...

...is this piece of paper.

Is that the notification letter?

Proof, evidence,

and the only artifact from my past that has any value.

-Can I see? -Ah. Mm-mm, it's not for you.

Barbara didn't want me, but Peaches did.

Took me, loved me,

raised me to stand up for myself.

Peaches knew that this day would come for me,

when I could look at my life in the right light.

God bless that woman.

You know, there's a certain peace

that comes with clarity.

You seem so different.

Like, I've never seen you act this way.

Today I have been reborn.

A brand-new Leslie,

never before seen on this Earth.

Yeah, I don't think I like it.

You'll get used to it, 'cause I'm not going anywhere.

I just wish she'd hurry up and get here

so she can hurry up and leave.

I have better things to do with my day.

We weren't exactly welcoming the last time she popped by.

Which makes you wonder,

has something changed?

Every encounter with Leslie Thomas feels like a test.

And being prepared is never an option.

Breakfast dishes are done.

Want to hit that new board game café in Adams Morgan?

-Sure. -Samantha?

Yeah. Yeah, that'd be great.

Okay, what's wrong?

She's rethinking about saying no to seeing June,

acting like I forced her into it.

You didn't. I just...

I keep thinking about how her feelings must be hurt.

Samantha, you can change your mind on this.

It's not etched in stone.

What do you think?

That doesn't matter.

This is your decision.

It's not about what your Pop and I want or what June needs.

We know that.

Right?

MARTIN: Talk us through.

What's hanging you up?

I just wish that it wasn't a thing.

That the closed adoption stayed closed.

Do you regret seeing her?

If I hadn't, then I would be wondering about her forever.

But now that I have, I-I feel bad

because I know how much it meant to her.

Bottom line is, she messed up.

She couldn't take care of us and gave us away,

which worked because Pop and Dad adopted us

and gave us everything that she wanted us to have.

And more.

She got to see that. It's all good.

MARTIN: Samantha?

We don't want a relationship with her.

We already have two parents and a family that loves us.

And we're not changing our minds.

As long as you're sure.

And you don't have to see June ever again,

if that's what you want.

Thanks.

But now that we're discussing life choices,

next on the agenda for this family meeting is...

what are we doing here? Really?

We, uh, going to Adams Morgan or what?

Sure.

Yeah, uh, be right back.

Okay.

That's really something, how smart they are,

making big decisions for themselves...

but they couldn't tell me to my face?

JACOB: I'm sure there's no doubt

some shame is involved.

They ashamed of themselves for cutting me out?

Or they ashamed of me?

They're only children. They don't understand.

Then somebody has to tell them.

If they're angry with me because I gave them up,

their life is so much better than anybody I know.

And you should be proud of them and the choice you made.

They just don't want me around as a reminder.

Throw me away and forget, like trash.

No, I'm sure they never intended for you to feel this way.

So, what are you going to do now?

You gonna pack me up

and drop me off a few hundred miles away

so I can't remember how to get back to their house?

June, I-I know you're hurting right now,

but we would never do that.

No, it doesn't matter. Nothing matters.

[mutters softly]

Hmm.

They're living the life.

Dream come true.

Not my problem anymore.

"Forget you, forgot you, never thought about you."

NAOMI: June, June,

I know you didn't mean to do that.

How would you know?

It's all worthless.

Don't say that. You might want that later.

You did this.

This is all your fault.

-Now, wait a minute-- -No.

Let her. Let her.

JUNE: You the one got me hoping for things I'll never have.

Dreaming dreams.

I wish I'd never seen their faces.

I'm so sorry this didn't work out the way we wanted it to.

Now, if you could just sit, we can talk about this.

-NAOMI: Please. -Wasting my time.

I was fine till you came along.

Why did you do this to me?

I never hurt anybody.

I was just living my life, and you ruined it!

All of it!

What would you say to a sleepover?

I'd say yes.

Is that an invitation?

You sure you'll be comfortable here?

Of course. I'll be home.

It's just for the kids.

There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.

And you.

What was that?

Thanks for letting me stay.

Do not look at me with those stars in your eyes.

-Was I? -This is just for tonight.

I'm sure the kids will be glad to have you here.

-MARTIN: I am, too. -Me, too.

We were only trying to help, June.

That's the problem.

You come along and you give people hope.

You make them want things they didn't want before,

and you didn't help at all.

Well, what about your heart?

She helped save your life.

Saved me for what?

Children who don't want me?

A world who doesn't care?

His eye is on the sparrow...

but ain't nobody watching me.

What about me, June?

Temporary.

Your sister, Regina, she cares about you.

You should have left me where you found me.

I was doing just fine before.

Where are you going?

You've got no reason to look for me.

Just leave me be.

June?

June.

Let me take you to Regina's.

She'll find her own way out of this.

We have to do something to help her.

You've done all you can.

Let her go. She'll blow off some steam.

-I have to find her, okay? -And when you do,

then you can help put her on a different path.

Come here.

And what did I do to deserve this?

Soothing chamomile.

I think we should start a new tradition

of taking sherry in the afternoons.

-[both chuckle] -Oh. Sorry about this.

Five points if it's good news.

Well, you'll enjoy hearing this.

-Hmm. -Martin is spending the night

at the brownstone.

-[gasps] -Just for the night.

Well, it's a step in the right direction.

It's a good thing.

I'm gonna savor this feeling.

Life isn't perfect, but...

things are good for us right now.

They are.

That's why I'm so invested

in everything working out for Martin and Smitty.

You're happy. You want to share it with the world.

Mm-hmm. Maybe it's the afterglow from the concert.

-Mm. -I'd forgotten

how our music touched so many lives.

Something to think about.

Gold, or...

am I silver?

Mama, I really think you should reconsider visiting Mrs. Dupree.

She isn't exactly your biggest fan

after what you did to Nicole.

Don't worry about a thing, honey.

I am Barbara's baby girl, and it will all be handled.

I don't get it.

Okay, stay with me, boo, all right?

Anit Dupree is the center

of the Articulettes universe.

Yeah. And...?

Mm. Well...

All right, I'll tell you.

My birth mother, Barbara,

is the one who brought them all together

like the little stars that they were.

And she handpicked each of them, okay?

My mama did that.

And you think Anita Dupree owes you?

[chuckles]: Baby, if... if it wasn't for Barbara,

Anita Dupree wouldn't be the celebrity that she is today.

Hmm.

Ooh. Ooh.

Okay, so, finding out your mother was an Articulette

is making you take a second look at your life?

-Of course. -Okay. And you think

Anita Dupree can help you put together the pieces?

Can help you understand who your mother was?

Yeah. Mm, something like that.

Whatever happens, just please make sure you tread lightly.

Why start now?

♪ Big girls don't cry, mm♪

♪ Big girls don't lie, ooh♪

[singing softly]

-Well? -You look beautiful and classy.

-Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

For the first time since I fell for your father,

my real life has been way better than my dreams could ever be.

That's a good feeling.

The last thing you should want to do is ruin everything

by starting a feud with the Duprees.

No, they started the feud.

Mm-kay? Did everything they could

to squeeze me out of polite society.

That doesn't mean you should retaliate.

If you go over there looking for a fight, you'll get one.

-You don't trust me, do you? -Because I know you.

Oh, gosh.

Do you want me to be happy?

What about that? This is mine.

Please, just let me have a piece of the pie

without you raining all over my parade.

Damn.

You're just so extraordinary.

Oh, and do you hate that I'm happy?

That I can have whatever I want whenever I desire it?

Not at all. I'm happy for you, but I only worry...

Good. Everybody ought to worry,

because I finally got mine, and they are going to pay.

Is that really the face you want to show the world?

Oh, honey.

They are not ready for Miss Leslie.

This is a brand-new day.

Vengeance is mine.

And it is going to be delicious.

-[grunting rhythmically] -[fingers snap]

Never seen her this upset before.

She'll be all right.

Put her life back together for her

and I've only made things worse.

-Babe, why do you think that? -Did you see

the way she stormed out of here?

-It was hard news to hear. -Right.

And she needs someone to help her process.

Process?

Naomi, listen.

That woman has managed to live on the street

-long before you found her. -I know that, but...

And the daily hell she's had to endure just to get to today?

She has processes we will never comprehend.

Did you see the look in her eyes?

-I put that there. -No.

Life did that.

You gave her hope.

I broke her heart.

Hope does that sometimes.

What have I done?

No, this is my fault.

And I should have stayed out of it.

Martin, Smitty, the kids, I turned their lives inside out.

And June is spiraling, probably getting herself into trouble,

starting fights just to stop the hurt.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you, Jacob. Just... look for her under the overpass,

and then there's that hidden area by the waterfront.

-I'll find her, okay? -Yeah.

And I'll stay here in case she comes back.

June's gonna be okay. Don't worry.

What about the people she comes across?

They're the ones I'm worried about.

-Thank you. -Don't worry, babe.

-[knocking on door] -Are you expecting someone?

Uh, it's probably Phil.

I let him borrow the backyard speaker.

-[door closes] -SMITTY: Martin?

I think we have a situation.

I guess I should have called first.

But I-I don't have your numbers, see, and...

well, I don't have a phone, either, so...

June?

I am not sure why you're here.

Didn't Naomi tell you that the kids decided

not to have any further contact?

Yes, I just thought...

I-I'm so sorry, June, and I mean that,

but this is Tyrell and Samantha's home.

And if they don't want you here,

you simply can't be here.

-Leslie. -That is my name.

[laughs softly] Well, well, well.

So lovely to see you both again.

And thank you for welcoming me into your home.

I apologize for leaving you ladies like this,

but I have a video meeting.

Oh, so sorry that you won't be staying.

Uh, keep this brief, my love, huh?

Remember, we have that thing later on.

Yes, sweetheart. Thank you, I will.

-Love you. -Mm-hmm.

Well, I'd offer you a drink, but you won't be staying long.

Oh, well, what makes you think that?

Shall we just cut to the chase?

What I'm here to tell you is--

and listen, you can pass this on along

to all your family and fans--

[laughs softly]

I have arrived.

And now that I'm here,

I am planning on staying a long, long time.

I'll order you a car and take you wherever you need to go,

and I'll wait with June outside.

Hold on, hold on.

There is something else

that my kids need to hear from me.

-I really think that you should let us be... -When I close my door

for privacy, my girl used to be right there

on the other side waiting for me.

Remember? I do.

Trying to listen in on conversations

to pick up a crumb or two.

I wonder if she still does that.

Look, this really isn't a good time.

Everyone's still trying to handle

what happened last night.

They got reacquainted with the mama

they never thought they'd see again.

It must have felt like an earthquake.

Y-You think I'm trying to tear up everything you built,

and I just want you to know that that is not

what this is about.

Call Naomi.

I'm not here to hurt anybody.

Please.

I just want to tell Samantha

that I know what she sees when she looks at me.

Had that same look in her eyes

nights I'd come home high and empty-handed.

I know she remembers that.

Looked like the monster underneath her bed

wasn't just something in her nightmares anymore,

it was real,

with the same eyes and the same smile as mine.

I-I know how scared you must be, baby.

I won't scare you anymore.

I'll leave.

No need to bother Naomi.

It's okay. I'll listen.

TYRELL: Say what you came to say and go.

Hey, Regina, this is Naomi.

Have you heard from June in the last few minutes?

Well, there's a chance she might be headed your way.

If you hear from her,

just let her know that I'm looking for her.

Oh, okay. Let me let you go.

This might be Jacob saying that he found her.

Yeah, I'll let you know. Thanks.

Please tell me you have good news.

I haven't laid eyes on her, but I do know where she is.

-Where? -The brownstone.

She went to see her children.

Martin and Smitty's children.

Um, yeah, I'll go.

Well, if you think you'll need backup,

-I can... -You know, this is

a high-pressure situation,

so it might be better if I go alone?

You're sure about this?

Yeah. Meet me back at Orphey Gene's.

Thanks, Jacob.

ANITA: You're a fan of the Articulettes?

Who isn't?

Soundtrack for a generation.

And that concert blew me away.

Oh, well, that's nice to hear.

My favorite Articulette was Barbara.

Is that right?

Interesting choice.

That's exactly what I said when you did that little tribute.

-You found it interesting? -Mm.

You all seem to love her.

I mean, all the...

tears and the memories.

We love her very much.

But that wasn't always the case, was it?

There was bad blood and resentment.

Something like that?

Now, what would make you say that?

The three of you on that stage

making a big show of remembering how good Barbara was.

But what a shame it is that she wasn't there

to share that night with you.

All right, explain what you want,

or I will happily show you out.

You can fool the rest of the world,

but I have a feeling that you haven't changed one bit.

Just as nasty as you were

when you kicked her out of the group.

Excuse me?

All y'all.

Y'all can never be as good as her

because she-she burned brighter, she sang better.

You don't know anything about Barbara.

I know she died by suicide.

Because of what you did to her, how you treated her.

Oh, yeah.

I know plenty.

I saw you look at me like I was reflecting

your future, and it scared you.

Just because I gave you life, it doesn't mean that your life

will turn out like mine.

No, I wasn't afraid.

JUNE: I used to be real pretty

before the addiction.

Could have been a model, people used to say.

And Mr. Tyrell, you got your math prowess from me.

You expecting me to say thank you?

You got your edge from me, too.

Okay, um...

What I came here to say is that

I want you to know that there is good in me.

The addiction? That's all mine.

There's no history of it on either side of the family.

I-I didn't want you to worry about that.

That's all.

I'm sorry I bothered y'all.

You had to be a good person to give us up.

It's...

It hurts too much to think about that.

But you kept a picture of us from when we were little.

That meant a lot.

I wish I still had it.

What happened to it?

Accident.

But Regina can give me another copy of hers.

Uh, that one's kind of outdated.

Yeah?

You don't have to ask, sweetheart.

It's your house.

So beautiful.

For me? For keeps?

Thank you.

[knocking on door]

That'd be Naomi.

I have to leave you, again.

But this time, I know that you are safe...

...and loved,

and you know that you have

a mama out here who is so proud of you.

Thanks.

A-And remember,

n-nobody has to remind you of how beautiful you are.

You just make sure they never forget how smart.

Same goes for you, Miss Samantha.

No. She didn't.

-Oh, she's got jokes. -[soft laughter]

JUNE: You're going to need a sense of humor

out here in this world.

You've got one.

Use it.

I'll do that.

Thank you.

For everything.

Take care of yourself, June.

Good luck, with everything.

[sighs]

♪ ♪

[door closes]

♪ ♪

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Hmm.

Well, I'll tell you what.

You tell me what happened to Barbara.

You owe me that.

-I don't owe you a damn thing. -You owe Barbara.

You broke her heart, and she was in so much pain.

You know-- don't talk about what you don't know about.

She did it because of you, didn't she?

Yeah. She was so tired of fighting you, so she gave up.

Everything just had to be your way, Anita.

[laughs softly] Like I said,

you haven't changed a bit.

All right. I've had enough.

It's time for you to leave.

Mm, well, I'm not as easy to get rid of as my mama.

I will leave when I'm good and damn ready.

-Your what? -You heard me.

Barbara was my mother.

We were so proud of you guys today.

The way we flip-flopped on seeing June?

That's a good thing.

Being able to change your mind about a person,

to allow them some grace?

I'm glad she came back.

I definitely needed that.

-To say goodbye without anger. -Or guilt or fear

or any of the other millions of emotions

that are going through me.

It was a gift for all of us.

Closure is good.

We'll probably see her again when she's ready.

I think she'll be all right this time.

Right, Tyrell?

Yeah. She'll be okay.

What happened?

Well, Smitty said they'd call and bring us up to speed later.

June. Everything okay?

What can we get you?

You said you could get me a bed, in a shelter?

You mean it?

Yeah. Yeah, for sure.

Do you want me to start looking?

The sooner the better.

A-And do you think we can get me a job, too?

I have skills.

I'm actually good at things.

But I need something quiet where I can keep to myself.

You know, until I'm ready to be among the living again.

-I-I'll see what we can drum up. -JACOB: Yeah.

I need to start building the next chapter of my life.

Sounds like you got big plans.

Big ones.

One day, those kids are gonna need

somebody like me in their lives.

And when they do, I want to be ready.

And I want to make them proud.

LESLIE: What am I supposed to be waiting for?

Recognition?

Isn't that why you came in here

claiming to be Barbara's daughter?

-I am Barbara's daughter. -Yeah,

-well, we'll see about that. -[phone vibrating]

Yes, Leland.

And the DNA?

Forward the materials.

Attorney confirmed it.

I still have my doubts.

Well, you know, there is always this birth certificate that...

If Barbara had a baby, I would have known.

Oh, yeah, I would have known, too.

This way: surprise.

This-this can't be happening.

You are nothing like her.

Because you say so?

Barbara died by your hands.

You better watch your mouth.

Afraid of the truth, Anita?

If it wasn't for you, my mother would still be here.

The woman I knew would be ashamed of you.

Latching onto a married man, having his child,

destroying his marriage?

What about you, destroying Barbara's dreams?

You don't know anything about Barbara.

You don't know her life.

Who gives you the right to even speak her name?

My mother gives me the right.

Left me with proof that your $1,000-an-hour attorneys

cannot disprove.

I am Dana Leslie Thomas,

daughter of Barbara Mitchell.

Inheritor of her trust.

Oh, no, that trust belongs to Barbara's family.

-Her sister is... -Gone.

You are looking at all that's left of Barbara's family.

The trust...

...goes to you?

What are you getting all bent out of shape for, Anita?

It ain't like it's coming out your pockets.

Yeah.

It is.

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