Original subtitles

Ooh, baby, it's getting cold outside.

We're only in the first week of December.

Folks already buying up the stores. I think I'm going to skip out on Christmas

this year, y'all. I'm tired of spending all my money on gifts my kids forget

about next week.

What about y'all?

Save your money and send out love this year.

Computer conference family.

Hello, my beautiful family.

Breakfast is served.

Hey, Mom, did you see the new boot pics I sent you? What boot pics? On your

phone.

Ooh, girl, these are cute. I know.

And no one else has them at school.

I'll be the first. Might have to add these to the list.

Thanks, Mommy.

Oh, what do you want for Christmas?

What about you? You know, reopening the restaurant would be great.

I'll talk to you soon.

Ciao.

Good morning, baby.

Good morning, Daddy.

Oh, sorry I'm late. I was on a work call.

Seems I'm going to be late this week, too.

Dad, can I get a Cybertruck for Christmas?

What? Oh, don't do that. Mom just said Mariah can get some new boots. Boy,

don't compare yourself to your sister. I said I will add it to the list.

Boy, are you crazy?

As much trouble as you get into a school, the only thing you deserve is a

ride on the bus.

Exactly. Yeah, that's absurd.

And I wouldn't ask anything like that for you, Dad.

I just need the new cell phone. That's all. Yeah.

What happened to curbing our spending habits around here?

Yes, but they just came out with a new cell phone.

I have to have the ladies. You know I'm the captain of the tech team. That's

true, but Dad, you know I gotta look the part. I mean, you know, the ladies, they

expect me to be a man.

You feel me, Dad?

We gotta make some changes around here.

Is anyone going to come to breakfast?

Conference end.

Hurry up!

Glad you can make it.

Are you still going to help us with the Christmas tree tonight?

Oh, not tonight.

I can't do it, baby. And another thing, I have a movie date night.

We're going to have to reschedule. I'm sorry.

Baby, this is the third week in a row, Troy. I know, baby. I promise. I'll make

it up to you. You hear me? I promise. You said that last week. Mr. Thompson is

our biggest client, and your brother's still my boss.

He needs me, all right? You know I'm the brains of this company, right?

Good morning.

Hey, good morning, baby.

Hey, Scott. How you doing?

You look beautiful.

You'll show up for my stage play this weekend, right?

That's this weekend?

Yeah, I've been talking about it all week.

Don't, pal.

As soon as I'm done with this client, I'm all yours.

Now, I'm running late. I got to get to work.

I'll talk to you later. Bye.

You don't feel good.

Where's Dad?

Can't you read the room?

What did I do?

Okay, have a good day in school, my JoJo baby.

All right, Mama. Can you not call me that?

Girls.

What? Right there, Ma.

Watch what I do, though. Watch this. Watch this.

How you doing, ladies?

Is that history?

Oh, my gosh. I can't wait to learn your story. How about we talk about it in

class? Come on.

Look at this.

What's up, bro?

So, you guys got the Christmas tree up yet?

No.

Unfortunately, we didn't. You know, Troy is just always busy.

So it's like I'm always competing for his time.

Are you sure you're not exaggerating? You know how you can be with that big

head of yours.

Whose side are you on?

But no, I'm serious.

I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I just regret him working for you.

You know?

Like he never spent time with me anymore.

No, no, no.

Don't blame me.

I was doing you a favor by getting him this job.

And wasn't it his job to pay for that big house you live in? Yeah.

I guess you're right.

I can tell this is bothering you. I'll talk to him.

And don't worry, I won't tell him you mentioned anything.

All right, thanks, bro.

Listen, but I'm off to walk in the house, so I'll call you later.

Bye.

Hey, boss man.

You working late again?

Yeah, just have to finish this interface for the weekend.

Oh, this is for Mr. Thompson?

Yep. We've been hearing a lot of good things about you from him. Enough good

things to maybe get a promotion tomorrow?

Things are definitely looking good for you, man.

So, how are things at home, man? Has Sabrina adjusted to being a housewife

yet? You know your sister.

She is independent, go-getter, and she don't take No crap. Us losing that

restaurant's been a nightmare.

A nightmare? Really? She's always spending so much time up under me, and

then she's always nagging me about being here, spending so many late hours

working and stuff.

Tell you the truth, I'm just working to really pay back this debt, this loan.

I understand.

But she'll bounce back. Just give her some time.

At least you still have your wife.

I know how hard these times can be, man.

We all miss Angie.

May her soul rest in peace.

I appreciate that, Ben.

But like I said, you still have your wife and your kids.

So please, take care of home.

Copy that?

I better get going, man. But I'll see you tomorrow.

Hey, Ced.

You need anything, man?

Thank you.

But I need you to go home.

Thanks, man.

Happy Friday. Hey, Troy.

How you doing?

Hey, man. Nice to see you.

Lisa. Hey there.

Great day to you.

Yes.

I tell you, I remember the first time having a seat at this board.

Oh, man. What was that? The Greenfield contract?

The Greenfield contract. That's right, man. That was some time ago.

Now look at us.

I'll tell you.

I tell you, I've been feeling so good today. There's something percolating.

I can feel it. I don't think you do.

There's been a restructuring at our company over the last couple of months

that went into full effect this morning.

That's a good thing, right?

Yes, yes, yes.

It was good for us, yes.

But it's not so good for you, bro.

What Cedric means is...

Now that we're practically two businesses in one, we had to make some

budget cuts. And unfortunately, your department is the final cut.

Listen.

You guys do remember I landed the biggest contract of the year, right?

Sorry, Troy. I know you're supposed to get that promotion today, but it's out

of our hands.

Your hands?

Come on, you two can do what you want to do out of your hands. What are you

talking about, Cedric?

HR is preparing a severance package for you that we hope keeps you well until

you're able to find a new job.

Severance package?

I'm here after hours when everyone is gone.

The two of you came to see past your nose, Vision.

You know what?

I'm going to be at Trevelyan Morgan Crest by tomorrow.

Taking you guys under.

Thanks, bro.

What's wrong?

What, what?

Spectacular.

Hey,

Mr. Flint Gloves.

You looking for a person tonight?

Oh, God.

I was just thinking about this.

You just going to walk past me like that?

Baby. Baby, I'm the finest Mrs. Claus you done seen.

Yes, you are. And you didn't even acknowledge me.

I'm sorry, baby. You look great.

I've just been busy with this account.

Who is she, Troy?

You think you're going to cheat on me and I'm not going to find out?

Busy working my butt off to pay back the loan for your failed restaurant, let

alone this mortgage.

Today when I came home, I seen a foreclosure letter on the door. If we

don't come up with the money, we're going to lose this place.

I will need this.

Thank you. No problem.

Hi,

babe. Hi.

What are you coming in here making all that noise for?

My favorite color, red.

I love you. You look amazing.

So do you, babe. Looking like money.

Well, thank you, my king.

Yes, my queen.

Look how beautiful you are.

Anything for you, baby.

Thank you. This place.

Isn't it nice?

It's very fancy.

I paid the guy $100 just for this table.

Oh, did you?

Right. Wasn't it cheap?

Do your thing, girl. Do your thing. No, I do what I do.

You know you could eat at home.

Baby. What?

Anything for you.

Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you?

You're so deserving, so handsome.

I'm so lucky.

And plus, I wanted to celebrate my man and his promotion.

Cheers.

Cheers.

That is good water.

Baby, it's just water.

Are you okay?

Something seems off. What's up?

I got fire.

You what?

You got fire?

Be quiet.

Hi.

Not right now. Let me get some more water.

Baby. I know.

They fired you. But I thought you was getting a promotion. That's what I

thought. You know, with promotion, you can promote it.

Exactly.

Listen, I don't want you to panic.

I don't want you to worry. No. Because your man has a great resume.

I'll have a new job in no time.

I just... Breathe.

I just feel like my whole life has flashed before my eyes.

I know.

What are we going to tell the kids?

You lost your job. I lost a restaurant. I know.

Baby, what are we going to do?

We're going to work it out, baby.

I got us.

You hear me? You know what?

I'm gonna call Cedric.

That's what I'm gonna do.

Don't you call... Excuse me.

Don't you call Cedric, you hear me?

This is business, all right?

We staying on business.

I don't want you going over there telling your family and Cedric none of

our financial issues, you hear me?

Don't worry.

Hey, baby, you think we can get out of here?

Hey.

I'm sorry.

My fish not doing too well.

We're going to have to leave early.

I know, baby.

Don't worry.

I just paid for the Gucci.

Oh, not the Gucci.

And I'm going to take my Gucci back.

No, baby. Come on.

Baby, do you know how it looks if you got to return the Gucci back to the

Gucci? I'm not going to return the Gucci.

I got you. Oh, I got to pawn it?

No.

We could just... Maybe we can get $100 back.

So your resume is very impressive, but you don't have a college degree? No, I

spent eight years in the Navy instead of going to college.

And we thank you so much for your service to this country, but

unfortunately... I mean, you realize this is a non-paid internship.

I'm sorry, we failed the position last week.

You need your parking validated?

It's the least I can offer you.

This house is for you, son.

I know it's not much, but it's my duty as a man to pass it down to you.

Hey, baby.

Hey.

What you doing?

Oh, I was just going through some old photos here.

You miss them, don't you?

I miss my mom.

Yeah, me too.

No one loved the holidays as much as she did.

So how did today go?

It went good.

Baby, what are we going to do?

Christmas is less than three weeks away, and there's no way we're going to have

this money by the 29th of this month.

I think that we should leave before they foreclose on us.

Leave? Mm-hmm. You know, we can save the kids the embarrassment, and we don't

have to go through the humiliation.

And we can move them to my parents' old house.

Absolutely not.

Baby, the house is as big as our living room. I know, I know. The kids aren't

even used to that type of lifestyle. I get it. But, babe, this is just

temporary, OK?

It's just three or four months tops.

Just enough time so I can get another job, get a new, higher paying salary, so

that I can get us into a new place.

Baby, when was the last time you've been to that house?

It's been like over 10 years, at least since your parents passed.

Is the house even sanitary?

It's paid for.

I know that much.

What else we gonna do? I can call my parents.

Yeah, let me do that.

Your father already thinks that I'm some loser, and this would just make his day.

Baby, who cares what people think?

I don't even know why you won't even allow me to call Cedric and just tell

him about our financial problems. Are you kidding me? No. After what he just

did to me? No.

Uh-uh.

This is my family, all right?

And I'm going to get us through this.

Hey, don't look like that, baby. Don't look like that.

Baby, I don't want to leave.

Let's just take a breather.

It'll be fine.

Hello?

Just for a little while, right?

Just for a little while, baby.

just for a little while.

I say my name is Sabrina.

I've always been a dreamer. You've never seen a girl that's Nina.

Let me get one. Let me get one. Come on, Dad.

I say my name is Josiah. You know that I'm fly. I'm sitting in my bag with my

brush. Am I right?

You got that from your mom.

I know how to do a little something something on the mic. Dad! I can't

believe you're making us move to the hood. Isn't this like child abuse?

Oh, baby.

We all never been to remember.

This is just temporary.

Temporary? It just feels like forever.

Plus, do they even have a mall near our new house? I mean, it doesn't matter if

they do have a mall. We too broke for that.

We ain't got no money. Ain't that right, Dad?

Well, Joe, you've always been too broke to go to the mall. You know why? Why?

Cause you don't have a job.

That's too low. Well, look. That's okay.

It's your money.

It's my money.

No, no, no. That's not how that works.

I'm the wife.

Okay.

Mom doesn't have a job and she gets to go to the mall?

That's true. You see?

That's what we're not about to do. Okay. Come for the person that feeds y'all.

The betrayal.

You're right, you're right. Yeah, my bad.

You said, y'all. I mean, y'all know how I get. I got to leave my honeys.

They're going to be so sad without JoJo. What do I do? Oh, Josiah, I bet they're

dying right now.

You get it, ma.

You get it. Boy, please.

All right, nobody is worried about you.

And like your dad said, it's only going to be for a little while.

Then we're going to get a new home.

When we get it back on our feet and, you know, after Christmas bake, we'll start

school. That's right.

Oh, and another thing.

Nobody knows you two around here, but they definitely know me.

So that means don't go around with blabbermouth, telling everybody our

financial issues. Get it? I mean, a man with no money is nothing to brag about.

Yeah. 99 bottles of beer in the world. 99 bottles of beer.

You got to take my name to pass it around. 98 bottles. We can't even drink

beer. Exactly.

That's not the point.

Feels good to be back

This time I'm home for Christmas

tonight And everything just feels so right

Yep.

I don't remember it being this small.

Well, look what the wind just blew on.

Looks like trouble just arrived, baby.

How are all of us going to fit into this tiny house?

Forget how small it is.

Are we even safe out here, Daddy? Of course we're safe, baby girl.

i wouldn't have you out here if we weren't safe and i did grow up here

didn't i unfortunately tiny what's up man how you been

what's up rich kid thanks good seeing you too oh

baby look he had a friend that's uh richard from across the

street don't don't mind troy just messing around you know we grew up

together but um It's nice to meet you, Mrs.

Sabrina. So nice to meet you, too.

Richard.

Rick.

And this is my daughter, Zaza.

How you doing, beautiful?

My name is Josiah, but you know, everybody calls me Jojo.

No, they don't.

They don't.

Is that my brother?

My brother?

Yeah, beautiful family, Troy.

What's with the antics, Rick?

Nah, man. I, uh, I was just coming across the street seeing who was

visiting. You know, we hadn't seen a car parked in front of the house in years.

Baby.

Hey, baby.

You're nice.

Maybe Ricky here can help us find somebody to fix this place up.

Well, actually, I am the neighborhood contractor.

I handle all the handyman stuff.

Handyman? You?

Yes. My daddy's the best handyman in town.

Is that right?

So, um...

How long you visiting, man?

Just taking the family on a world tour.

Showing them the old neighborhood before we have our house built.

We have a new house?

Oh, yeah.

That dream house.

Well, we got to do some unpacking and bring the luggage into the house.

I'm sure you got more important things to do than be hanging around here with

us. Yeah, we, uh...

We need to get back to the community center and finish setting up for next

week's Christmas Expo.

Christmas, baby.

We still do that?

Yeah, of course.

You know, Barbara Jo's tradition has never died.

Hey, you know what? Well, it was so nice to meet you, Ricky, and

Zaza, so nice to meet you. Yes, definitely a pleasure to meet you,

beautiful.

Look, it's good to meet you, too.

Right? I'm sure we'll see you around.

And, uh, Tiny, I mean, Troy, if you ever need anything done around the house,

I'm across the street.

Yeah, whatever, man.

Hey, ladies, why don't y'all go inside and take a look? Let the boys do it.

Joe, why don't you help me unpack?

All right, young king.

Well, Dad, why don't you like Mr. Rick?

I mean, he seems pretty cool.

He seems cool.

But that guy right there, he's a snake.

So, you gonna tell him, Dad?

Stuff in the till.

Come on in.

All right. No, I got it, baby. Don't worry.

I got it. Go ahead, Joe. Go on. Come on. Yeah, yeah.

Okay. All right.

Stay close.

Here you go.

Yeah. There you go.

All right.

Yeah. Okay.

We made it. I can see the backyard from the front yard.

That's okay.

I know it's not what we used to, but we just gonna have to make it work.

Okay. Dad, this place looks kind of familiar. Have we ever been here before?

Oh, it's been some time.

You're back in kindergarten.

Oh, kindergarten?

Hold on. Was I still a looker? You know, like, was I still fine? Was I still

fine? Let me know that at least. You my son. Yeah, you was fine. Hey, never

mind. Loosen up. We're home.

Come on, baby girl.

Ah, there you go.

Hey, Dad.

Are those our grandparents?

Yeah.

That's Baba Jo, and that's Mama Brenda.

Did they die in this house?

Say one more thing.

No, they were... It was a car crash, an 18-wheeler.

The driver couldn't hit his brakes in time, and he smashed into them, and they

died on the spot.

That's awful.

But let's not be a killjoy.

Come on, y'all. Let's get back. Let me show you your rooms.

Yeah, this is... Wow.

It's the room I grew up in, man. This is where I made a lot of memories.

Uh, yeah.

Nah, Dad, when you...

When you told me you came from the bottom, man, you was not lying.

You see this?

Cassette tape, man.

This was before CDs, before the iPod, before streaming, you had a cassette

tape. I'm not too sure what that is, man. You had to have these. If you

didn't have those mixtapes, man, you didn't have nothing.

Trust me, this was before CDs, you know?

You had to have your magazine covers.

Can you FaceTime on that phone?

No, no, no, boy.

Listen, man.

We used to have a long wire to this thing, and you had to, like, bring it

outside, and if you wanted to have a private conversation, I used to drag

this all the way down into the kitchen.

Does it plug in?

It used to.

Hey, Joe, listen, man.

I know this is a lot for you, you know?

Big change and things.

It's only short term.

I got you.

All right, I'm gonna get us back to what you're used to.

But I need you to, you know, put your big boy pants on right now because I

need a favor.

I need you to take care of baby sis, you know what I mean?

Make this house feel like it's, you know, brand new to her, all right? The

whole experience.

I got you, Dad. Got me? I got you.

Daddy.

What's up, baby girl?

Is this the only bathroom in the whole house?

Oh, baby.

What? Yeah, it's the bathroom. Yes, it's the only bathroom we got right now.

That's really poor.

Baby, you know what poor is?

What? Poor is not having any love. That's poor.

What's this about?

Fred!

What is it?

This kitchen is what's wrong.

It's atrocious.

Do you not see this?

Yeah, babe, nobody's been in here in years.

Clearly, okay? And I'm not cooking a damn thing in this kitchen

until it get clean. So if y'all want to eat, I suggest you go to that U-Haul and

you get my other cleaning supplies right now.

Babe, I just haven't even settled in yet. Can't it just wait a moment?

Do it look like we gonna get settled in?

I'm on it. Thank you.

Hey.

Don't forget the Christmas tree.

Josiah!

Meet me outside.

Which one?

Uh, we'll take, uh, let's take these two.

Watch out for those steps.

Hey, Joe.

It's gonna be the best Christmas yet.

Really? Yeah.

I must be getting on Cybertruck.

Dad, I think you should come here.

Troy? Would everybody just do what they gotta do? I'm applying for work so I

could get us a better house. Remember that?

Good. The sooner we leave this shack, the better. Troy?

Hey. I think we might die up in this place.

Yeah. All right. Move out the way.

Okay, we... I'm moving.

Look, it's just fixing the light fixture, right?

Some stuff you're gonna need to know, especially when you have your own

family. That stuff is... Ah, God.

You see, baby.

You good up there?

Yeah, I'm good. I'm good. Just a little dust here.

You sure you don't want to call Ricky? No, no, no, no. No, we're not calling

Ricky. Plus, I can do this myself, and he's going to ask for some money. Yeah.

You know, this is real simple. You know, Joe, you need to be able to do this when

you have your own family. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yes, sir. All right, good.

You know what I'm thinking? What you thinking, Dad? Let me know.

Let's do a YouTube video.

Ah, okay.

Baby, have you ever done this before?

Yes, yes, yes.

You know, I learned a lot of stuff in my time.

Yeah. You know, you got a positive and negative.

Uh-huh.

Grounded. Fires.

Okay, I got you, I got you, I got you. That's it right there. That's it right

there. Yeah.

Good, good, good.

You dudes just pull one of these wires down like this. Uh-huh. First, you got

to have your positive.

Uh-huh.

You got your negative.

And you got your ground.

Yeah. Isn't that how you start a car, baby?

Well, the main thing you want to do is to make sure that...

See, and that's why we should've called Ricky.

We should speed dial 911.

I caught it! We caught it viral!

Shh! Close your eyes, baby.

Boy! Sorry.

Dad, you okay?

Make sure you're okay.

Oh, baby.

Eric? Oh, Lord.

Man.

I think you're right. I'll call the local electrician in the morning to get

it fixed.

About time you listened to me.

Aren't I always right?

But, baby, what's up with you and Ricky?

You said he was trying to steal your family again.

That guy that you met out there, that is a front.

He's a big front, OK?

Ricky is a thief, he's a bully, and a criminal. What do you mean?

Those are bold accusations, baby. You're going to have to explain more than that.

Yeah.

When I was a kid, Ricky was big, right? And he would bully me. He would bully

everybody at the center, at school.

But any time my father would come around or any adult, that guy right there would

show up.

Big front.

But for whatever reason, my father would just take a liking to him.

He would treat him better than me.

Way better.

So is that the reason why you and your dad fell out?

It's something like that.

As I got older, you know, I did everything I could.

You know, I would run track.

I would score touchdowns, get straight A's, just to get his attention.

And he wouldn't be there for me. He would just, no matter what, he would

always make an excuse.

But he would bend over backwards for Ricky for some reason.

So that's the reason why your dad missed our wedding.

Yeah.

Yeah, T.

Mm-hmm. Yeah, I can't make it.

I'm sorry, kid.

You know, next time.

Next time. I gotta help Ricky with his car trouble.

My mom showed up.

She was so happy. She saw you in that dress. She loved you. I let that go.

But really, what was the last straw for me was when that segment, 30 Under 30,

Blacks in Tech, came out.

Remember? I do.

And your mom came to support you.

Oh, that smile.

She would do everything she could for me.

She knew that she did.

But once again, my father was down at the community center raising money for a

lawyer because Ricky was in jail.

So I went down to the community center and I confronted him.

I told him how he was this big fraud. You know, I'm the man. I'm supposed to

be the man for the community.

And I told him how he wasn't the man for his own family.

We went back and forth. It was ugly.

He called me a disgrace and how I was humiliating the family name.

Told me, you, get out of the center.

Never called me again.

But I didn't either.

Oh, baby, I'm glad we finally got to talk about it.

And I understand why you stayed away.

Like, honestly, but as far as Ricky go, baby, people change. Oh, baby, listen.

Ricky cannot be trusted.

Know what I'm saying? Stay away from him, okay?

Overqualified.

Listen, I'm willing to take a pay cut.

I just... I really need a job.

Dad.

What is it?

It's freezing, man.

That's what it is.

Dad, I tried to turn the sink on and a popsicle jumped out.

Can't you turn the heat on or something? JoJo, calm down, all right? All right,

check the heat. It won't cut on. Baby!

I am cold, okay?

Please, I need somebody to fix this.

I can't live like this. I know, I understand. Look, it might just be an

air filter. I will fix it, okay?

Like you said, you was going to fix those lights.

Oh, real funny. Oh, so my pain is your laughter. She made the joke.

How do I inside feel like it's outside?

And we inside.

I got you. It's probably just the air filter. Let me go check and I'll see

what it is. Who's that?

I got it. I got it.

Hey.

Hey.

So.

You came to see me, huh?

Um, actually, I came to see if Mariah was home.

Oh.

Okay. Bro, I'm sorry.

Okay, okay, okay.

I came to see if you all want to roll into the community center with me.

Hold on.

First, that was a good one. That was a good one. You got me. You got me.

Is that your car?

That's nice.

That's nice, but yeah, you know, I'll roll with you.

Honestly, anything to get out of this freezing house.

Yeah, is your heater not working?

You need me to call my dad to come fix it?

No!

I guess not.

Come on inside.

I'm going to go get my sister.

Mariah!

Hey, Zaza.

Good morning, Miss William. Good morning. Oh, baby, I'm so sorry about

how cold it is in here, girl. You're all good. You're all good.

Did you want to come to the community center with us, too? Oh, what's going on

at the center? Well, so we're finishing decorating for this Christmas event, but

there will be a lot of fun classes for adults and teens since we're off on

Christmas break.

You know what?

That don't sound like a bad idea. Plus, I can get out this house.

Baby!

Yeah? Hey, you want to come down to the center with us?

No, you know, I'm still trying to fix the heat. Plus, I'm trying to work on

a... You know what?

Oh, um, well, I guess we'll just go then.

Okay, well, look, I promise you, when you come back, the heat will be on. Have

fun, all right? Okay.

All right, I'll see you later. Okay, listen, tell Josiah and Mariah that

we'll be outside waiting, okay?

Okay. Ooh, let me grab my purse. It is so cold. Let's go, girl.

OK, now listen, listen.

Christmas is a week and a half away, and the expo starts Monday.

So we have until the weekend to have this place ready.

Mm-hmm. Ma.

Mm-hmm. Where you at?

How do you want your tables?

In a row or in a circle?

Oh, well, now, you better ask your sister. You know how bossy she is.

Anita? Yeah.

How do you want the tables?

I want the tables all around the room in a rectangle, but leave the front open.

That's where we'll put the largest Christmas tree.

Got it There you go don't start,

you know, we got work to do I know I know my bad she just Hey

grandma, how are you doing? Oh never better baby

never better How are you doing this is Troy's family

Everybody, this is my grandma, Miss Mary. She runs the place. And this is my

Auntie Anita.

Well, hello. My name is Sabrina, and these are my two beautiful children.

Hey, love.

Hey, everyone.

Nice to meet you.

And what's your name, beautiful?

Hi, I'm Mariah.

Oh, aren't you just the cutest little thing?

I mean, yeah, yeah, she is. But hey, I'm Josiah. I am too. But everybody calls me

JoJo. Don't nobody call you that but you.

Stop telling everybody that. I'm just telling the truth. Hey, not right here.

Sabrina, you have a beautiful family.

But are you a model? You are gorgeous, girl. Yes, she is. Thank you so much,

Anita. You are gorgeous yourself. But no, I'm no model. I'm just a mom and a

wife.

I can't forget I am a chef. Oh, you work at a restaurant?

Well, she used to, but she quit to spend more time with the family. Now she only

cooks for us. I mean, a grown man like me.

I need my home-cooked meals.

I bet you do, you kids. What's your specialty?

I cook about just anything, but my favorite things to cook, I would have to

say cake and pies.

Oh, wow. We need your help here in the kitchen.

I mean, it is volunteer work, but we feed the homeless once a week, and, you

know, we're planning a special Christmas dinner.

Yeah, and you can sell your baked goods at this week's expo. I mean, if you want

to make some extra cash.

This room will be full with tables and vendors and folks selling arts, crafts,

and goods. You know what?

I'm sold.

I'm in.

I love Christmas.

Ricky, why don't you show her around the kitchen and introduce her to the team?

I, uh, I'd love that.

Yeah. Hey, I heard Dad say not to hang out with Mr. Ricky, so I think we should

head back home.

Hey, Sabrina, follow me.

Lead the way.

All right.

Y'all three, come on. Come on, follow me, too. I need help organizing the game

room, all right? The game room?

That feels better already.

Thanks, man.

Little one.

I'm telling you, that pride is going to be the death of that man.

Yeah, Trey's always been stubborn.

Yeah, well, I heard.

That you wasn't the nicest kid on the block.

We must have told you about my infamous bully days.

That he did.

Yeah, well, it's true.

Yeah, I was a knucklehead back then, and Troy received the brunt of my rage.

But that was a long time ago. Not that guy. Try and convince him, Troy, then.

Can you believe he told me to stay away from you?

That sounds like listening.

Yeah, I know what to listen to and what not to listen to.

I know that man like the back of my hands.

He's a good guy, but he is definitely stubborn.

So, I don't see a ring.

No lady at the house?

Nah.

Divorced. Zaza's mom broke it off with me after I got locked up back in the

day.

Oh, what'd you go to jail for?

I'm a rapper.

I don't need to have a purse, do I?

No, no, no.

Hey, I didn't harm you.

I was just a job.

But I caught the same charges as everybody else.

Like I said, I was back in the day.

Good. So are you and Troy happily married or just married?

I didn't know there was a difference.

We're married and happy.

What? Marriage is marriage.

Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's bad.

But it's worth it.

What are you trying to convince?

Me and you.

I'm not trying to convince anybody.

Okay? I'm just telling it like it is.

All I'm saying is if my wife was as fine and dope as you, she had a better answer

to the question that I'm asking.

was seeming that I am not.

And I love my husband.

I really do.

But thank you so much for the compliment.

Ricky. Uh.

Mama's ready to go home.

OK.

Same time tomorrow? Same time.

All right.

See you tomorrow. Okay. Okay.

Hey, girl.

Hey.

Are you okay? Yeah, girl. I'm fine.

You sure?

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

I'm fine.

Hello?

Yes, this is Troy.

Yes, I'm available for some consulting work.

Yeah.

Can I ask how much this is paying?

Wow, that's great news.

When can I start?

Text me your email and I'll email you all the information tonight.

Thank you.

Beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Hello, this is Mr. Howard.

Hey, Mr. Howard.

This is Troy Williams.

Oh, hey, Troy.

You caught me just in time. I'm just about to leave. Excuse me. I know I'm

catching you after hours. I wanted to know how much would it cost for me to

give you so I could get my home back?

Remind me how much it is you owe us?

$45,000.

Yeah, so...

You would need at least $25,000 to halt the foreclosure.

Great.

Because I just got a consulting gig for $30,000. And I'll be able to get that to

you by the end of the week.

That's great, sir.

But, you know, we still need the full amount by the 29th. Otherwise, the bank

will still seize your property.

I mean, it might be a good idea to hold on to that money unless you can come up

with the rest.

I understand, Mr. Howard.

And I plan on getting you that money as soon as possible. I don't know how, but

I'm going to get it to you.

Besides, this is a Christmas gift to my wife.

Sounds good.

Keep me posted.

Have a good evening.

No, not yet. Come on. Come on. Okay,

okay. That was a good one. I'll let you have that one. I'll let you have it.

I'll let you have it. But I mean, yeah, after my dad ended up losing his job,

that's how we ended up losing our house.

Oh, so that's why y'all are here.

Yep. But keep that between Me and you.

Dang, I didn't know that.

Wait, so are you going back after the new house is finished being built, or?

Oh, no.

There isn't no new house. My dad was capping.

But why?

I don't know. I think it's something with him trying to keep up with your dad

and impress your dad.

Let's put all the family stuff aside. Oh, my gosh.

I mean, what's up with me and you? Oh, my God.

Josiah.

You cool and all, but me and you won't work.

Why not?

Hey, Mama.

Thank you, babies.

Thank you so much.

I can't believe you were trying to hit on Troy's wife.

That was nothing.

We was just... We was just talking. Don't play me.

I know you like the back of my hand.

If you want to work dreams out with Troy, you have to stop this.

You're right.

You're right.

Okay, I don't... I don't know why I'm still trying to show him up after all

these years.

Well, it's time to grow up.

You claim to change.

So show it, bro.

We're home.

Hey.

Hey, baby.

What's up?

How you feeling?

What's up? Hey.

It is nice and toasty in here.

Yeah. Who did you get to fix the heat?

I did.

You? Mm-hmm. Really?

Uh-huh. OK, we'll check you out.

Well, we had the most amazing time at the community center.

You know, being in that kitchen, baby, it just inspired me.

I was with Anita, Ricky's sister.

And actually, I'm going to do a little baking.

Oh, so that's what all this is about, huh?

How come you never told us Baba Joe had his own community center?

I mean, everybody knows about it. He was the man in this town. And I think that's

where I get it from, Dad, because he was big time.

You get it from me. Remember that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And it was dope. I mean,

they got a game room and everything.

Oh, good. I'm glad y'all had some fun.

We did. And Mommy's going to volunteer in the kitchen to help serve the

homeless. Oh, and she's going to start baking and selling cakes here in the

expo. Mr. Ricky told her. Oh, well.

I wish you could come. I got a lot of work to do, so hang on.

You know, unpack.

All right, you heard your dad.

Let's go unpack this food.

Hey, babe.

Hey. We need to talk.

What do you want to talk about?

Ricky.

I told you to stay away from him tonight. It's none of my wishes.

So that's what you wanted to talk about was Ricky?

No. Just wanted to let you know I landed a part-time gig working from home.

Hmm. There's nothing close to what I'm used to making, but...

We're also starting tomorrow and working for these driving apps, picking up

customers until I can find something else.

A driving app, baby?

There's no one else you can call?

Nothing else you can do?

I mean, no one else will answer.

Baby, I done called every tech company, every tech agency in the area, and, you

know, there's nothing that even comes close to my salary, or I'm overqualified

and I can't get the job.

You know, I'm just, we got bills around here. I'm just trying to cost some stuff

so that we can stay afloat.

I'm sorry.

All right, I'm sorry if I seem like I wasn't appreciative or I didn't

understand, but I get it, and I appreciate you so much for what you're

doing for me and the kids, but Troy,

Baby, our marriage is going sour.

What do you mean?

You don't talk to me.

We don't spend time.

We don't even interact if it's not in front of the kids.

I'm just so used to it being joyous around this time of the year.

And let's not talk about our romance life.

Baby, I'm getting nothing from you.

You're right.

I get it.

And listen, I'm allowed to not even play a little game, huh?

Now you know I like playing games.

Speedo ticket?

I like speedo tickets.

Okay.

Hello?

Yes, Troy Williams here.

Yeah, Mr. Carter. Nice to meet you.

R.T.? Absolutely.

Tuesdays would be great. I can actually do...

One moment, man.

Mr.

Nicholson, did you prioritize the modular design?

Hey, lady.

Did you just throw up in my truck?

Oh, God.

Are you serious? Oh.

What did you eat?

Get out.

Okay, so we had to downgrade our life. We're in this small house, and now you

tell me I can't feed my kids?

We're gonna get out of here. I told you that, but listen.

Yeah, how about... Just like I gotta stretch my time with you?

You see?

You asked. You asked for it. You... Mmm, that smell.

Those pies are calling my name. Oh my goodness. Those customers are in for a

treat today.

I hope so.

You should open up your own place, Sabrina.

Well, you know, I actually have my own restaurant.

It was called Sabrina's Kitchen.

Girl, I wish you could have visited.

We sold cakes, pies, sweets, soul food.

It was everything, everything. But I had to shut it down early this year.

Really? As good as you can cook?

Girl, you must have been in the wrong area.

Because you know what they say, though.

Location, location is everything.

Yeah. I mean, I wish I could have made it work.

Everything happens for a reason.

You'll get another chance.

Don't you worry.

How about you let me take you to lunch Christmas Eve?

I have some great ideas. I love ideas, and I don't turn down free food.

Of course I will come.

Oh, good.

Oh, you are

hilarious.

Happy holidays, everyone.

Let me know if I can get you guys anything.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Santa's here, everybody.

If you have any Christmas requests, come to me.

Oh, Mrs. Claus.

Come on down and take a seat next to Santa.

I shall.

My babies.

You guys watch that last one. I don't know. That's a big one.

Girl,

these pies.

Did you like them? Oh, my goodness. Everyone who bought and tasted a pie.

Ask me where to get those in the future. I tasted it myself.

It's delicious.

Thank you so much, girl. Girl, you need a plan on how to start selling these

pies for a living.

Because at least 25 to 30 people who didn't get pies and when they were sold

out was giving me their numbers.

So you could place orders. Look at you.

I guess you do got ideas.

Yes, girl. That's what the community is all about. Group economics.

Us supporting us.

Just like Baba Jo intended.

And us women got to support and stick together.

Girl, don't I know that.

Yeah. You know, I really love you.

I haven't been this happy in a while.

I know you're going through a rough place right now in your personal life.

But don't let my brother mess you up, if you know what I mean.

Really? No.

Oh, girl, I mean, between me and you, yes, the attention, I enjoyed it,

but... Girl, I'm committed to making my marriage work.

That's good to hear.

Can I offer you a ride home?

Thank you, girl, but I'm going to have to pass. I'm actually about to get out

this Santa Claus outfit, and Ricky's going to be waiting on me outside.

Ricky. Okay.

No, not like that. No.

I just already promised that I'll let him take me home.

Okay. Well, let me know. Okay.

Listen, thank you again. Yes.

Not when that kid was like, could I be his daddy? No.

Did you see the way his mom was looking at you, waiting on you to answer? Yeah,

I was just like, yo, this can't be real. No, it was funny.

You should have just granted him that wish, Santa.

Thank you so much.

That is so funny.

What's going on here?

Troy, you scared me, baby. What are you doing out here? It's cold.

I called you mad times.

Why didn't you pick up the phone?

Me and Ricky was just at the community center.

I must have lost track of time.

Doing what?

Zaza dropped the children off of her an hour ago. What the hell are you two

doing? Oh, we was just sitting... No, I'm not talking to you, man.

I'm talking to my wife.

Troy, can we not do this right here?

Okay? It's a promise, Sabrina.

Am I embarrassing you in front of your little boyfriend here?

Troy, let's talk inside.

Look Ricky.

I'm so sorry about this, but thank you for the ride, all right? No problem.

Look, I'll see you tomorrow. No, you won't. I told you, man. Stop talking to

my wife like that, okay?

Troy.

Not right here.

Listen, man.

How about you go inside and let me and Ricky here have a little man talk, okay?

Thank you.

You're tripping.

Thank you.

Yo, what's your problem, man?

My problem is you.

It's like my whole son's still my family now.

Look, this ain't about me.

You're just mad because you can't make your wife happy.

Stop! Stop!

Stop! Stop!

Enough of this!

You two have been fighting your entire lives!

Papa told Barbie, turn it over in his grave right now!

You two are real brothers for Christ's sake! He ain't my brother!

He'll never be my brother!

Tell him, Ricky!

Tell me what?

Tell him, Ricky!

I've been trying to tell him since he got here, sis.

Well tell him now.

Tell him now!

Look, I didn't know we was present until after Bob and Joe died.

Yeah, my mom kept it a secret to keep you and family together.

Oh man, what you talking about? How?

Miss Mary?

Yeah.

Papa Joe and my mom had a thing going on back in the day.

He cut her off once he met your mom.

What?

They slept together one last time a few months before they got married.

He told you this?

My mom did.

Come on, man.

Look.

Papa was not the type.

To put his feelings into some letter. He wasn't the type to... Troy, read the

last paragraph.

Read it!

I love you, son.

And I'm so proud of the man that you've become.

The family that you created. And that you're better than me.

I'm so sorry for seemingly choosing one son over the other.

I guess I was just trying to overcompensate for my sins.

I hope that we're able to resolve our issues while I'm still alive.

But if not, take my advice.

Never prioritize your work or your ambitions over your family.

Be better than me with all my love.

Dad. Trey, I want to apologize, too.

I wish I could take back the things I did to you when we were younger, but I

can't.

I was just in a dark place not knowing who my father was, you know?

Even now, I can say my actions haven't been the greatest because I'm still

maturing as an old, immature man.

I'm still working on myself.

Just like we all should.

So if we brothers, why would you leave me the house and not you?

I don't know.

I don't know, man.

But it's the right thing to do.

Troy, you grew up in this house, not me.

Besides, my mom's gonna leave me her house, and I got my own house downtown,

so... I'm good.

You're one better than me, man.

Yo, I thought you said you had like a mansion getting built or something.

I said that to save face.

You know, the truth is, I lost my home.

Brought my family back here because we had nowhere else to go.

No shame in that, man.

We all fall short.

You do, I do, Baba Joe.

We all do.

But the thing about this is, Baba Joe paid this house off.

So you can't lose this one.

I need some time to process this.

Troy.

Yeah, for me, bro.

Clear.

Yeah, clear.

I got you.

I just can't believe after all this time, he's actually your brother?

I'll tell you one thing. You are a very lucky man.

Because you know I was going to get you right.

No, seriously.

You embarrassed me out there. I thought Ricky was trying to steal you away from

me. Just like he did my parents. Just like he tried to do every girlfriend I

ever had in my life.

And what does Ricky have to do with the death of your parents anyway?

Didn't they die in a car accident?

On their way to pick up Ricky from prison.

Oh.

See, I didn't know that.

Ricky was at a halfway house, and the morning he was set to be released,

Anita was at work.

Miss Mary was in the hospital.

Once again, he calls my father to come pick him up.

It just so happened that my mother was with him.

You know, I think about it, and if he would have just taken a taxi or called

someone else, they would still be alive.

Oh, I didn't even know you was carrying all that.

I just had all this anger, you know, pent up.

All of it just seems so pointless now.

I'm thinking that he's calling out for my father, but the truth is he's calling

out for our father.

Come sit down.

Yeah.

Well, I'm glad you found out, you know, for your healing and for

us and the family.

Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah, I know.

Good. Because I really do.

And I love you.

And I'm so sorry, you hear me? I'm sorry for neglecting you.

I'm gonna do better, yeah.

I'm gonna do a lot better. I've just been trying to hustle up to get this

money so we can get back to the life we deserve.

Yeah.

Okay.

Okay, I understand.

I also just want to say thank you.

You know, and I never told you this before, but baby, your presence means so

much more to me and the kids than some fancy lifestyle.

Okay, I know, baby.

No, but baby, seriously.

You mean more.

And I really just want us to work together.

You know, as a family.

And also spend time together.

Because, baby, I miss you.

All right? And I don't care about nothing else.

I just want you.

So can I have you?

What happened?

Seven o'clock.

When the dot.

When the dot.

Cruising the streets.

I got it.

That's a plan.

Seriously,

I'm going to make tonight really special for us.

All right?

So what are you going to do with the rest of it?

Well, I got a couple of pies to make.

A couple of people want their pies before Christmas, so I got three days to

make them.

All right, that's going to help me.

You know how proud I am of it.

No, baby.

Do you know how proud I am of you?

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

See ya.

Don't be late.

This is a lot of work.

You sure you want to open your own restaurant again?

Of course I want to open up my restaurant.

That's what's wrong with y'all young kids. You're scared of hard work.

Listen, everything you do in life is going to be hard. Trust me.

But when you're doing something you love, baby, it's not even hard work.

It's more like a calling, you know?

Cooking definitely isn't my calling.

Girl, you are crazy.

But feeding all those homeless people at the center really made me feel

good, Mommy.

I had no idea there were so many people without places to live.

My baby.

I'm so glad you acknowledged that, and that made you feel good.

But you also see how we're so blessed.

I mean, we might not be in the house that we normally live in, but at least

we got a roof over our head.

Yes, ma'am. All right.

Come on. Let's get the rest of these pods, baby.

Hello.

Hey.

Inez? Yes, that's me. Oh, okay.

So do you have any Christmas plans?

Oh, man, I have so many plans, I can't get them all in order. Yeah, that's the

holiday season for you.

Got any Christmas presents you want on your wish list?

To get my life back in order.

What's that order?

It's just really me paying attention to what's important, you know?

Yeah. Yeah.

You have a family?

I do.

Great husband, one girl, and one boy.

Wow.

Sounds like my house.

Yeah? I wish I was rich so Daddy didn't have to work all the time.

Mom, how long is Dad going to be?

Yeah. I'm starving, and I want to eat while it's still hot.

You know what?

If your dad can't keep his promise, neither will I.

Want to eat?

Eat up.

Hey, Kristen.

Mom. My wishes are with you.

Yeah.

I tell you, Inez.

I'm so sick of this.

You guys are so complicated.

We are simple. All we need is some good company, a good home, a hard

-cooked meal, some great sex, and a little appreciation.

That is it.

Okay, I'll give you that. We may be more complex, but...

What we value most is time.

I mean, if my husband would just give me some QT, I wouldn't even trip over the

other stuff.

Wow.

Thanks for tonight.

I really needed this release.

Yeah.

So did I.

So that's why he can't spend no time with me.

Sick kiss.

Baby!

Sabrina!

Hi, this is Sabrina.

Sorry I couldn't answer. Leave a message after the tone.

Hey. What's up, Dad?

Hey.

Where are you guys?

Um...

We're all actually at Uncle Ced's house.

Oh.

Okay.

Where's your mom? Put her on the phone.

Did you hear me?

Put your mom on the phone, Josiah.

Yeah, sorry. I heard you, Dad.

Um, she doesn't really want to talk to you right now.

She told me to tell you that she needs her space.

She told you to tell me that?

Yes, sir.

How long you guys supposed to be there?

I'm not sure, Dad. She never really said.

But you really pissed her off tonight, man.

I know.

Look, I tried to get here as fast as I could. I had to. But it didn't work.

Dad, you put your job before us every single time.

You're too young to understand that now, but I'm doing the best I can to get us

back to our life, okay?

And...

I don't want you to have to struggle the way I did as a kid. Okay, I hear you,

Dad. I do. But you have to realize all we want is you.

Look, I gotta go, Dad.

Mom's calling me, okay? Bye. I love you.

Hey, guys.

Hey, Uncle Seth. Hey. You're getting big.

You just look good.

I need to chat with your mom privately for a few minutes.

All right. Just go and watch TV, baby.

OK.

It's getting so big. I need to talk to you about something very important. I

wish we could have talked about this last night, but we didn't get a chance.

Yeah. That's why I've been blowing you and Troy up.

Listen, Seth.

It's really hard for me to try to forgive you for firing Troy.

That's just it.

Let me explain.

It's been two days and she won't even answer any of my calls.

Christmas is tomorrow.

Okay, so why didn't you go see her yet? Well, she told the children to tell me

that she needed some space.

No.

If you want your wife back, you're going to have to fight for her.

And I got just the thing to help you win her back.

What's this, man?

So, me and sis found this old bar and grill downtown in a prom location. No,

no, no, no, no, no.

Okay? Listen, I'm not going back down that road. I'm up to my neck in debt

from the last loan from our last restaurant venture, okay?

We know.

But the owner is only asking for five pay down.

So we told him we could raise that at the community center.

That way, you don't have to pay him back. Yeah.

And Mom Dukes him go way back, so he gave us the keys so you and Sabrina

could check out the place.

Thank you.

Thanks a lot.

First, I gotta go get my wife back, huh?

That part.

Thanks, guys.

And yo, do not go and tell Sabrina about this because I don't want her to get her

hopes up. Yeah, you know I got you, bro. But you need to put that down.

Stop playing.

Oh my gosh.

What do you want, Troy? How do you even know I'm here?

Josiah.

I apologize,

okay? I apologize for the missing dinner the other night.

You know, my client, it just ran a lot longer than I expected.

Yeah, I bet.

Let me ask you something.

And I want you to be really honest with me.

Did you sleep with her?

Ooh, what are you talking about? Troy.

Ooh. The other night, I heard you sweet-talking some lady while you was

driving, and you said, yes, I'm so happy you kept me company, too. You remember

that? That's not what this is about.

We were talking.

She was telling me about her husband. I was telling her about you.

We was just giving each other advice on our marriages, that's all.

Mmm, it's so good.

I guess maybe I'll just jump to the conclusions.

No, baby, seriously.

Sometimes it's just hard to believe because you neglect me.

You don't keep your promises.

You put in work before me. Troy, I don't know how much longer I can do this.

Listen, I've just been working hard.

You're working hard, but you're forgetting me.

I would never be with another woman.

You're the only woman that I want.

You're the only woman that I want to be with.

From now on, I promise I ain't gonna feed that man. No, listen. Hey, Troy.

I can't do no more promises.

Okay?

Baby, all I wanted you to be was just a man. I'm married.

That's it.

Baby, can you do that?

What's there?

I miss you.

Oh, I miss you.

I miss you, too.

Yeah.

Troy,

we need to talk.

Look, brother, I just came here to get my wife back. You and I, we're not on

good terms.

You ruined my life.

I didn't mean to ruin anything. My intention was to save your life and to

save your marriage.

I saw things going left and figured that by putting you on sabbatical would help

you to spend more time with your family.

I didn't really fire you.

A sabbatical?

You call firing me a sabbatical?

Baby. Are you kidding me? You ruined my life. Oh, listen, I can explain, man.

You played me. No, no, no, no. It's just supposed to be like a lesson.

It was just in the form of a hoax.

He was just trying to help, baby.

A hoax.

A hoax man? Are you serious?

Don't you run.

Don't you run.

If you wasn't my brother, I'd have the boys roll up on you.

You ruined my life over a hoax? Are you crazy?

I didn't mean a hoax. I didn't mean a hoax. I was just trying to show you that

if... You're trying to show me what? He was trying to shoot me, baby. He was

trying to kill me. Get out of my way. Show me what?

I just wanted you to see that there's a different way.

Troy! Oh, you're fast, huh? But you run track, huh? You ruined my life. I lost

my dignity because of you. I had to take my house from this big house. I had to

come down here to this. Because of you, you ruined my life. You ruined my life.

Baby! Oh, shoot me. Oh, my God.

Okay, okay.

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Stop it! I didn't know you lost your house. I didn't know anything about how

bad your financial situation was until Sabrina got here, okay?

Just calm down.

Listen to him, okay?

Just listen.

Now, y'all two need to fix this, okay?

Thanks, girl.

Talk it out.

I was the man that you used to be.

A career obsessed, spending all my time at work trying to prove

to my younger self that I'm worthy.

And all the while neglecting my wife and daughter and then losing them.

So when I saw you doing the same thing that I did, I just didn't want you to

experience the regrets that I have to live with.

Yeah, I hate you, man.

But fake fire, I mean, that's crazy.

I tried to reach out to you so many times, man, but you wouldn't listen.

I could tell my sister was on her last straw with you.

She was.

But you were so caught up with her, you couldn't see it.

That's why I knew the only way to get through to you would be you losing the

thing you love the most.

Only when we hit rock bottom do we realize what matters most in life.

Yeah.

That's it.

But trust and believe, I had no idea you were facing foreclosure. Why didn't you

tell me?

Pride.

I just... You, your family.

You're all so well off. I just wanted to prove to myself, prove to all of you

that I can take care of a dude on my own, especially after firing him.

Man.

Man, you were one stubborn brother.

I'll tell you one thing, though.

This entire experience has taught me something, man. It's been a real lesson.

Well, the torture is over.

This is my Christmas gift to you, Troy.

You should take care of your bank loan.

I just hope you forgive me for what I've done, man.

I meant well.

Hey, Cedric, man, this is a lot of money, man. I can't stop. This is

mutual.

Okay. We're family, man. We're supposed to take care of each other.

Oh, and, um... If you're interested...

Promotion is still yours?

Am I interested?

Of course I'm interested.

Hey, you know I'm the brains of the company, right?

Hey.

Thank you.

Hey.

Well, thank you, my love.

I don't know why that boy think he is too cool to wear a coat.

Oh, babe, I forgot to tell you. We're going to have Christmas dinner at the

community center instead of here.

Are you OK with that?

I guess so.

All right, go ahead.

Oh Snow falling soft On

the avenue Streetlights glowing In

shades of blue People passing But I don't

move Amen

Hey, uh, mom, can you pass me the macaroni and cheese? Oh, I sure can. Oh,

can I get some of those, um, mashed potatoes and gravy?

Uh, there you go.

Thank you. Here you go, baby.

These yams is busted.

You don't own a restaurant?

Well, thank you. I am so glad you were enjoying everything.

So, uh, where's Troy? I didn't see him walking in. Um, he's here. He's around

here doing something.

Um, so, uh, excuse me for a second. Okay.

What's up, man?

Merry Christmas. Hey, Merry Christmas to you, too, bro.

You know, I'm just walking down these hallways.

Looking at all these old photos, it really brings back some memories.

Yeah.

Yeah,

yeah, those were the good old days.

Yeah. Hey, remember when Baba Joe, he caught us eating the food that was

supposed to go to the homeless?

He came down on me so hard, he made me fast for two days. Yeah, he wanted you

to know what it was like to be without food.

No, man, I was hungry, and he let you slide.

Like hell he did.

How do you think the community garden started?

The Scooby started the community garden.

Papa always used to say that the community had to have a garden, so there

was always a source of food.

Yeah, yeah, that was me.

I was the source.

Baba Joe had me tilling that land the entire summer.

Like he said, if you can still, you can till.

Wow, that sounds just like him, man. Yeah, and he was always on me just as

much as he was on you.

In fact, he might have been on me more because I was always, uh... I was always

in trouble.

Yeah. I guess I never saw it that way. I only saw it from my angle.

I hate the way things ended, man.

I wish we could have done things differently, you know?

That's why you got to treat people right while they're alive.

Give them their flowers while you can smell them.

You know?

Hey, Rick, man, listen.

You know, these last couple weeks, man, I've been going through a, like,

metamorphosis. I've changed. I'm a new man. You're a new man.

I might have been a little out of pocket or something.

No, no, no. I get it, Troy.

I deserve all that.

I'm just glad we were able to get it out before it was, uh...

Before it was too late.

So, um... Good, now?

It'll be good, bro.

You'll always be tiny.

Let's go inside.

Or the one not to, which is probably the reason I went to jail the first time.

Well, if I didn't know any better, I think y'all were best friends.

I've never seen y'all like this before.

Is everything OK, babe? Yeah, everything is great.

What's up,

everyone? What's up, Dad?

Hey, Daddy.

What's up?

You know, I was thinking, since I got my job back and the house is all caught up,

we really got to make some decisions around here.

Maybe what kind of decision?

Well, we can either go back to our old neighborhood or we can remain here.

Oh.

I'm not going to lie, Dad. I think I'd rather stay here. I want to stay here.

Yeah, me too.

Really? Yeah, but not at the house we're in right now.

But I like it here. I like the community.

I like the people here.

Everybody here just looks like me.

That's true. I mean, and can we go to school out here instead of driving so

far from the city?

Yeah. Wow. Looks like this place has really grown on you guys.

I mean, I'm not going to lie.

I agree with the kids.

I mean, ever since we've been here, family, community, I

just never had this much support.

I feel like it's something I've just been missing.

So I want to stay, too.

I'm glad you feel that way.

I feel the same.

Seriously? I was thinking about what I thought I was going to gain by leaving

the old neighborhood.

And I didn't realize how much I lost.

So with that being said, I guess we'll build a new house down the block.

See, that's what I'm talking about. That's what I wanted to hear. Give me

some. Give me.

Yes, sir. Come on, man. Give me some.

Well, the two of you need to just calm down. Hold your enthusiasm.

Because the two of you, you're going to get summer jobs.

Summer jobs?

Baby, why do they got to work?

Yeah, they do. Because you're going to get hired by your mom at her new

restaurant.

What do you mean a new restaurant?

Open it, Ma! Just give me a second. Alright, I'm sorry.

You are always up to something, Mr. Williams.

Troy.

Are you serious?

Baby!

You know, we signed the papers after the holidays, but the owner did say that he

would sell it to me. And guess what? It's downtown, right off the highway.

But when?

When? How?

Don't worry about that.

All you got to say is thank you.

Thank you.

I love you so much.

Hey,

listen. I know I haven't been the best husband.

Nor have I been the best father.

No, listen, we're past that. I got this.

I just want you to know that I love you all.

I do.

I love each and every one of you. I will never put you guys on the back burner

ever again.

Not a nanosecond, a moment, a day, anything will happen without you guys

knowing how much I love you.

I love you too, Dad.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, y'all. Come get me.

I need

to make

sure I see everyone at the grand opening.

This is our Christmas ain't gotta say too much

I don't need nothing else Got your love in my hands now I can feel it for myself

This is our Christmas It feels so right Everything we've been through Let

me do this tonight

Music playing, people laugh, but I'm caught up in what we have. Every little

thing you do got me leaning into you. Ain't no gift under no tree that could

ever top this feeling. You don't even gotta try. You already changed my life.

When you look at me like that, ain't no going back.

This is our Christmas.

Ain't gotta say too much as long as I got you right.

That's another spiritual Christmas Don't need nothing else