Original subtitles

(soft music)

(groaning)

(air whooshing)

(explosion booms)

(air whooshing)

(camera shutter snaps)

(people chattering)

- Good afternoon.

I would like to thank each of you

for taking time out of your busy schedules

to be here as I announce my college choice

where I'll be playing baseball next season.

I know that everyone has been waiting

for me to make this decision for the past two seasons now,

and I would like to thank each and every one of you,

including my coaches, my teammates,

my parents, and my friends

for being so patient with me during this period.

This has been a hard, long, and thought out decision,

and I hope that for everyone, it will be worth the wait.

And now it gives me great pleasure to announce

that I, Ricky Dupree, will take my superior talents

and attend college right here in the city of Chicago.

Next year I will be playing college baseball

for the Chicago University Bandits.

Thank you!

(applauding)

(soft piano music)

- [Nicholas] Take me out to the ball game.

Just take me out.

Take me as far away from this place as I can get.

My name is Nicholas Dupree.

This is my family, and this is my story.

I live in an upper class black family

in the suburbs of Chicago.

I'm a freshman in high school

and I've always wanted to live a regular life.

You know, find my own path.

But normal never lived in this house.

You see, my environment at home

was so dysfunctional that I did not even wanna introduce

one single friend of mine to anybody in my family.

My father Farris Dupree is a very proud man,

as well as a very successful businessman.

But he always wanted to be a major league baseball player.

Now even though he fell short of his dream,

he made for sure that all three of his sons

would become all world in the sport that he loved, baseball.

(knocking on door)

My older brother, Ricky was well on his way

to being a great player one day.

As for me, I was having a little trouble

getting out of the starting blocks.

- [Farris] Nicholas!

Son, are you hard of hearing?

Did you hear me knocking at the door?

- Of course I heard you, I'm not deaf, you know.

- [Farris] Well you need to hustle it up.

Time is running out.

- Alright, alright, I'll be out in a minute.

- [Farris] You'll be ready in a minute?

You get your butt in the car right now, young man.

It's time to go!

(door shuts loudly)

- Nicholas, when you go out there today,

can you try your best to focus?

Now you know I hate doing this just as much as you do.

- Look, I know practice makes perfect and everything

but this is getting ridiculous!

- Boy sit up!

Is that gon' be your excuse for everything in life?

- No.

- You can't run and hide from your problems.

- No that's not it mom and you know it.

- I'm listening.

- Look, I love playing baseball.

In fact, I love playing baseball

just as much as the next person.

- Go on.

- But I don't wanna play for the simple fact

that my father is making me play.

(car honking)

- Hey, I wish you people would come on!

- See?

- Nicholas, that's not fair and you know it.

I mean what's so wrong with parents

trying to set high standards for their children?

- Parents you know.

Y'all just don't get it.

The higher the expectations you place on your kids,

the more they're gonna rebel.

(car honking)

Coming father.

- Alright Nicholas, let's get ready to play ball.

Now son, I want you to concentrate on what you're doing.

Now your sole purpose for being out here today

is to get better.

You're not out here to have fun or play games son.

This is a serious matter.

Do you hear me?

Nicholas, I'm talking to you. - Yes, I hear you.

- Alright, don't let me have to repeat myself.

Alright, let's play ball.

(upbeat drum music)

- Woo!

Come on now, let's play ball!

Woo!

- Come on son, come on.

Watch the ball son, watch the ball.

Nicholas, what are you doing?

What are you doing, Nicholas?

Why can't you just concentrate on the game?

Where is your mind?

Oh, Nicholas!

(upbeat rock music)

(drum music)

What are you doing?

Just tell me what you're doing!

Now I told you this was a serious matter, didn't I?

I asked you to concentrate on what you're doing

and what do you do?

You just go and mess everything?

- You act like it's the World Series.

- Ricky knows what he's doing!

And what's wrong with you?

You out here in the field, right?

I told you to concentrate in every game that you do.

(gentle music)

Nicholas.

Nicholas, come and sit down son!

Carol, where is that boy?

Nicholas! - Farris!

Don't start this tonight, please?

Can we have just one decent meal?

Just one! - Sure baby,

we can have a peaceful meal together, it's no problem.

I just, all I wanna do is just have a father and son

chat with the boy, that's all.

Nicholas!

Will you come and sit down?

- What's up, Pop?

What's on your mind?

- There's a lot on my mind, lately.

And I have a pretty good idea as to what it is.

It's been really bothering me, really bothering me, son.

So I'm just gonna go ahead and ask the question myself.

(chuckles)

Who's the girl?

- Who's the girl? I have no idea...

- You heard me, Nicholas! - What girl?

- You heard me! Who is the girl? - Farris.

- I have no idea what you're talking about.

- Boy, you're in trouble.

- You know who I'm talking about.

You gon' sit there at my table, son,

and play the nut role with me?

Is that what you're going to do?

- No! - Huh?

You're gonna try to make me think

that I'm the one that's going crazy?

- Baby. - Baby what?

- What I think he's trying to tell you

is that he's doing the best that he can.

Now at this point, you're just being

a little too hard on him.

- Too hard? - Yes!

- Please, Carol, please!

I'm not being too hard on the boy, he's a teenager!

That's what the boy is, all he wants to do

is hang out all night, hang out and talk with the girls

and then turn around and hold his own britches.

- At least you give me credit for something.

- What did you say? - Nothing.

- Say that again, what did you mumble over there?

- Did it ever occur to you

that I don't want this as bad as you?

Did you ever think that maybe it's in the cards

for me to be a regular kid?

- Son, I want you to listen to me.

And I want you to listen to me real good.

There's no such thing as a regular kid.

You are special, son.

You are born special.

And you're going to be special.

- Wow, you know, I wonder if every other family

on this block has to sit down and go through

what we go through just to have a decent meal

one night out of the week.

- Nicholas, you're going straight to bed

without having any dinner tonight.

- Farris! - Right now, Farris nothing,

you are going to bed tonight Nicholas without no dinner!

- Bed, but I--

- You may be excused right now.

I don't know why you just keep on defending that boy.

- Because he's our son

and I think you took it a little too far.

- Too far?

Carol, please!

You're the one that treats him

like a damn baby all the time!

- What the!

(laughs)

- Yeah, all the time!

- I don't know why you're getting upset with me,

I didn't do anything wrong.

- Because you just make it too easy for him, Carol!

Just too easy!

If someone just would've,

well, if someone just would've been hard on me,

then maybe, just maybe I wouldn't have

to wear a shirt and tie everyday.

- Farris, give me a break, the boy is only 15 years old.

In all seriousness, if you keep treating him this way,

he can cause all kinds of problems.

But you know what?

By then it's gonna be too late.

(soft piano music)

(Shower water running)

Hey girl, what you doing?

Oh no, nothing's wrong.

No, I'm fine.

I just called to see

how my big sister was doing, that's all.

Hmm mm.

- Nicholas, please and for your sake,

I hope that he does not see you writing that letter.

- Who said I was writing a letter?

- You just don't get it, do you?

Our father knew exactly when I started

talking to girls my freshman year.

- Well even if I was writing a letter, what's the big deal?

- Because you changed into a totally different person.

He knows that something is going on with you.

- Well, Ricky, I didn't sign on for this.

Any of it!

I'm ready to hand in my uniform.

- I know that you're upset.

And maybe you got a right to be.

- You damn right I'm upset!

If you had to go to bed with no dinner, you'd be upset too!

- Let me tell you something, Nick.

Leave them girls alone

and start listening to somebody for a change.

- It's crazy, you know?

Sometimes when I'm trying to have fun,

all I can think about is how many inches

should I be choking up on the bat

or how many balls I dropped in that out field.

Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind.

- I wanted to be normal too

but if I was normal, I would not be where I am today.

As simple as that.

(gentle music)

- [Nicholas] The way things were between my father and me

were putting this huge wedge between both my parents.

But it seemed that no matter how bad things would get,

I could always depend on my mother

to come in and make things better for me.

(knocking on door)

- Here you go. - Thank you.

- You're welcome.

You know what, Nicholas?

Sometimes when things just aren't right in life,

you have to take a couple of steps backwards.

And when you take a couple of steps backwards,

things become so much clearer.

And at that time, all of the answers that you're looking for

are right there in front of your face.

And then you can move forward, finally.

And that's what we're gonna have to do, Nicholas,

is we're gonna have to move forward, okay?

(soft piano music)

(door shuts)

(soft piano music)

♪ Maybe we can make it right again ♪

♪ Let's talk about it, just think about it ♪

♪ We can start by making up ♪

♪ I just love you touch, you mean the world to me ♪

♪ Let me get you in the mood tonight ♪

♪ Let me hold you tight, just relax your mind ♪

♪ Can no one ever take your place ♪

♪ You're the one for me ♪

♪ That's the truth ain't no lie ♪

♪ We all have problems ♪

♪ Stay strong, please don't run ♪

♪ My heart's in your hand ♪

♪ Baby I'm your fan yeah ♪

♪ Must be your biggest fan, yeah ♪

♪ Ooh, oh ♪

(people chattering)

- Did I do something wrong again?

- Where were you last night?

- I was exactly where I was supposed to be, Maxine, home!

- You were supposed to be answering my call.

I dialed your number at least nine or 10 times.

- Okay, you called, and?

- And?

The line was busy.

It was busy the whole time.

- Maxine, look, you're my girl alright?

And you know I respect that.

- Why is it always a mystery with you?

- I already told you, our communication has to be discrete.

- And that's supposed to make me feel better?

Look.

I'm a beautiful person that has a lot to offer.

And if you can't show me any attention,

then I'll just have to move on.

- To tell you the truth Maxine,

I don't want our relationship

adding to the problems I'm already having.

Look, I know I should've told you, okay?

But I just didn't.

- What is the big secret?

(school bell rings)

- You see that dude over there?

The guy in the middle.

Well, that's my brother Ricky.

- You mean to tell me that Ricky Dupree is your brother?

The Ricky Dupree that's going to hold the workout

and the press conference

for all the media people later today?

Why is it you never cared to mention him to me before?

- Because it don't matter, should it?

- Oh wow. - Hi Ricky,

nice if you would drop in.

Hey, this is Maxine.

Maxine, Ricky.

- It is so good to finally meet you.

- Always my pleasure.

- Nick has told me so many wonderful things about you.

- Is that right?

- Okay, time to go to class Maxine.

I'll see you around Ricky.

Come on, let's go to class before you're late.

(phone ringing)

- Farris Dupree.

- Hey baby, it's me Carol.

- Oh hey, baby, how are you?

Good.

So how are things at home?

- Well actually everything is right on schedule.

- [Sasha] Farris, I need those papers.

- [Carol] I just got through making dinner

and actually I'm getting ready to start on dessert and--

- Sweetheart, did you remember

to bake the food with no salt?

- Well as soon as I clean up, everything will be set.

- Well that's just perfect.

So I'll talk to you later then.

And listen, try to forget about yesterday, okay?

I mean, really try.

Alright then, baby.

Bye bye.

- [Sasha] Is everything okay?

- (sighs) We had a disagreement yesterday

but it's been really wearing on me

but it's really no big deal.

- Well, is there anything that I can do?

(soft R&B music)

(door bell rings)

- Surprise!

Remember me? - Hey.

- Come here, you act like you're not glad to see me.

In my arms, come here.

- Oh girl, I'm always glad to see you

but what are you doing here?

- Well, the way your voice sounded last night,

I felt like my baby sister needed me.

- Dee Dee where are the boys?

- They're out in the car.

Y'all get out of the car and come on in here!

And leave the junk in the car out there!

- Oh Dee Dee, I feel like I've totally lost myself.

- Don't pay Farris any attention.

He told you to forget about it, didn't he?

- Yeah, he did but I--

- Okay then.

You have done a wonderful job

raising three beautiful children, boys at that.

You cannot let him take your confidence.

- Girl that's easy for you to say.

You're not the one who has to sleep with one eye open.

- When men are unhappy with their lives,

they try to make the woman feel bad

just to make themselves feel better.

(upbeat music)

- [Man] I'm Kevin Weinstein with this week's

Chicago Sports Minute.

From DuPage Prep high school to a future college mound,

Chicago baseball star, Ricky Dupree

has had an astonishing rise.

- [Man] At the end of the season,

the associated press named six foot four,

190-pound Ricky Dupree AP National Player of the year.

- [Woman] Ricky Dupree led his team in home runs,

hits and was second on the team in steals.

- [Man] Ricky has a major press conference

set for this afternoon but after receiving

all the national media's attention,

the big question remains,

which college will this baseball star attend next season?

- Girl, I get so sick and tired of hearing

that man talk about how perfect his mama is.

- Wait a minute.

I thought Farris' mother was dead.

- [Carol] She is dead.

- And besides, what does she have to do with any of this?

- Nothing, she died like over 15 years ago.

- Okay, so what does she have to do

with the price of Tea in China?

- I don't know, I just feel like

he's always kinda comparing her to me.

- Well, have you ever tried to ask him

to please stop doing it?

- Time and time again but you know what?

Whenever I don't answer his every demand,

he makes my life a living hell.

(soft music)

♪ Ooh ooh ♪

- So after turning down all the big colleges in the country.

Ricky decides he gon' stay here

and go to school at Chicago U next year.

- Man, I ain't never been to a press conference before.

- Why decide to stay here to go to school?

- 'Cause if he left, he wouldn't have

daddy there to hold his hand.

Come on, you know that.

- I think he would've done just fine.

♪ I guess you woke up this morning ♪

- I'll tell you man.

All these new expectations they got on me now,

I'd be lucky to graduate high school.

- Just do what Ricky did.

I think you'll be fine.

- Listen couz, I don't wanna see that sad-ass look

in your face the rest of the night.

Let's just have some fun, man, enjoy the party.

- Right.

- Fun, fun don't exist in this house.

♪ That's why I say ♪

♪ You must have thought about it ♪

♪ You must have agonized ♪

♪ To wake up one morning and leave me paralyzed ♪

- So who's the young looking woman?

- Hi, would you

like some Champagne? - Woman?

(laughs) Girl, that's Sasha.

- Okay, who is Sasha supposed to be?

- Wait a minute, don't get it twisted.

Don't get it twisted Dee Dee.

She is only Farris' secretary.

He started training her when she started

working at the office.

- Hi, would you like some champagne?

- You mean to tell me, you don't think anything of it?

- Girl, this is nothing.

She calls here all the time asking to speak with him.

♪ And I decided that was something ♪

♪ That I just can't take ♪

♪ You gotta tell me why ♪

(people chattering)

- Alright, everybody listen up

while my father proposes a toast.

Dad. - Thank you Ricky.

I'd like to thank everyone today

for coming out and being a part of this wonderful moment.

As you all know, this is a very wonderful day

for me and my family and we'd like to thank you again

for coming out so I'd like to propose a toast.

Here's to a new beginning.

- [All] To a new beginning.

♪ What's up baby, how you doing ♪

♪ Can I, can I holla at you for a minute ♪

♪ I couldn't help but notice ♪

♪ Will you be kicking it through the hood ♪

♪ You've been looking kinda sad ♪

♪ You know what I mean ♪

♪ With your head down ♪

- This is how I release all my stress.

I take me a smoke, man.

- William, now you know you're not supposed

to be smoking any cigarettes.

Now what if I go and tell my--

- So what?

Go and tell her!

What she gon' say?

- Okay, go and kill yourself. - Hey Nick man,

take you a couple of hits.

- Yo, that was cold, man no I'm cool.

- You cool? - Yeah.

That was wrong man!

- I just think this is a bad idea, man.

- Man, would you please get the hell away from me, man?

Dang!

All you do is yap-ya-ya-yeah, whine and shit.

- Good point.

I'm instigating, I'm sorry. - Shut up.

- Hey, y'all seen Maxine?

- I thought she was with you.

- I don't think she came outside,

she must be in there talking, I don't know.

- Get off my face.

- Whatever the case is, it didn't start just now.

It started a long time ago.

- You know what Dee Dee, every time I ask him

if our marriage is in trouble,

all he does is say that I'm crazy.

- You gotta follow your gut instinct.

Relationships, they're either gonna get better

or they're gonna get worse.

- Maxine!

♪ Oh girl ♪

♪ I put myself with you ♪

♪ And make you forget all that ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

(door creaking)

♪ Baby please be mine ♪

♪ Just let me make you smile ♪

(eerie tone)

- Things can't continue this way.

Things will not continue this way.

- Carol, you are a beautiful woman.

You have a beautiful home and beautiful children.

People will give their left arm to trade places with you.

- I know.

- You may not know it, but you have the perfect life.

(suspenseful music)

(soft piano music)

(door shuts)

- I can't believe that you would bring

another woman in this house.

I can't believe that you would actually

do this to me or our family.

- Carol, damn!

You are overreacting!

- Overreacting-- - Yes, overreacting,

let's be reasonable!

You are always overreacting, every time I look around!

- How in the hell do you explain what you were doing

in that bathroom in our house with that woman?

- What woman, Carol?

- Sasha.

- But I'm telling you, girls are distractions

for your career and your future.

Girls are no good for you.

- You know who in the hell I'm talking about

so don't you dare play games with me!

- You are always over throwing things out of proportion.

- I did it to protect you.

- Protect me?

You call protecting me going to the bathroom

with my girlfriend?

- Farris-- - Farris what?

- You get your finger out of my face, Farris Dupree.

It is over.

- You know what, I never thought in a million years

my own brother would be the one to do this to me.

- Carol, come back here.

Carol, where you taking Marcus?

Carol!

- Truth of the matter is you know what?

I liked that girl.

I did.

But it's never been about what I like though, right?

(soft sad music)

(birds chirping)

- Nicholas wake up!

The school is calling again.

Nicholas, I said wake up!

They ain't playing with you!

- I'm up, I'm up, I'm up.

I hate that school.

They're always yelling at me.

They're so mean to me up there,

I don't wanna go back over there.

- I'ma say this to you once and I do mean one time only.

The next time that school calls my house, it's over.

Army, Navy, Job Corps, you getting your ass up out of here!

Now get up!

Now!

Get up! - I'm up, I'm up.

(soft music)

(transitions into upbeat music)

(people chattering)

- Thank you.

- Is that Carol, Carol Fields?

- That was my name years ago.

- It's me, Mr. Johnson from the project buildings.

- Mr. Johnson, how have you been?

- I've been great but how about yourself?

- Not doing so well.

- Now Carol, you know I'll do anything in the world

to help out a family friend.

What's the problem?

- Mr. Johnson is my soon to be 18 year old son.

I just don't know what to do anymore.

- Well, tell me about it, I got all day.

(upbeat funky music)

- I don't know what's going on anymore.

My life wasn't supposed to be like this.

You'd think, right?

You know, after leaving that life I left in the suburbs,

you'd think everything would be all good.

But you know what?

It's not.

My mama is mad at me.

I'm flunking every class I'm in.

One thing is for sure though,

I cannot get kicked out of school.

- Man how in the hell you gone try out for the baseball team

and today is your last day of school.

- Yeah and usually when you get suspended,

they come looking for you in the morning

and what, it's already lunch now.

- He right, I've been suspended twice this year

and the ain't never waited this late to come get me.

- I figure since I've missed so many days

maybe they just you know,

let me slide on this one, you know?

- (laughs) Slide?

Man, we're talking about

the jackass principle Jack Wheeler here.

He ain't letting nothing slide.

Man, he even suspended his own nephew one day

for breaking the cafeteria line.

- [Nicholas] But you know what?

Slide or no slide, if I get caught up again, I'm done.

- Okay guys, pay attention to me now.

As you can see the cheerleaders

are sponsoring a canned food drive

and we expect each and every one of you to participate.

We're gonna be taking cans and stacking them

in the front hallway.

Anybody have any questions?

Alright.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Speaking.

- Here come Mr. Wheeler, now man!

- What? - Mr. Wheeler!

- Nicholas Dupree, I need to see you

in my office right away, please.

- You mean, right now at this exact moment?

- Right now, get all your things and let's go.

- Can I finish eating first? - No!

Let's go!

(people chattering)

- [Carol] Principal Wheeler, I understand that Nicholas

has been in quite a lot of trouble lately

but kicking him out of the school isn't the right answer.

I just don't believe that you're giving him a fair chance.

- Giving him?

Giving him?

You're making it seem like it's my fault.

It's obvious we are dealing

with a kid without a purpose here.

- Alright, I'll help him with his homework after school,

I'll make sure that he gets a job after school

but it just, it can't end like this Mr. Wheeler.

- The school system has rules.

And those rules must be followed.

- But you are the principal.

What I'm saying is that you have the power to change this.

- I know this.

But the kid has a long rap sheet.

And the rules state that he has to go.

- Well, what's he gonna do now?

- Well, I don't know, I can't answer that.

- Principal Wheeler, my son is a senior in high school

and he's soon to be 18 years old.

I mean, if you kick him out now,

he'll be trash in six months.

Nicholas could start selling drugs,

hell, he could even start using drugs.

- I'm looking at if I can count them, 45 absences?

35 tardies, he comes to school but he doesn't go to class.

It's too late.

I don't know why parents wait 'til the last minute

to care about their kid's education.

I'm sorry, he has to go.

(knocking on door)

- Can I talk to you for a minute, boss?

- Yeah Bennie, come on in.

- This is the young man that I saw

on the baseball field this morning.

You know, the one throwing the fastballs.

- [Wheeler] This is the guy you saw pitching?

- He's the one.

- But this guy is on his way out of this school.

- I understand that.

But with all due respect, sir.

As community leaders, it's our responsibility

to help these kids out when they need it the most,

not throw them out.

- Yeah but I don't know about this guy, coach.

- You did say you wanted

a winning baseball team this year, right?

- Yeah but-- - Well this is the young man

that can help us do just that.

- Okay, Mrs. Dupree.

This is what we're going to do.

We'll suspend him for three days.

Upon his return, if he misses one day,

if he's tardy one time, he's out of here.

And he must bring his grades up to a C average

and join some after school activity.

Also get a job.

If he fails to do any one of those things,

one of 'em, he's out of here faster

than you can say Jack Flash.

- Fair enough, principal Wheeler.

Thank you so much.

- Thank you.

(upbeat music)

- What took you so damn long?

- Had to make sure the coast was clear, man.

- Nick, I think this is a bad idea, man.

Maybe we should just put it back.

- Man, would you please shut the hell up

and watch the damn tape?

You're making more damn noise than the woman is.

- He's right, Nate, relax.

Take some risk for once.

- If auntie Carol caught us watching this,

we'd be in a whole lot of trouble, man.

- So what, dude?

I'm already in trouble.

So I might as well just have my fun now.

Look, if she says anything, look, I'll take the blame.

- Well they are rare but they exist.

- Man, you see the breasteses on that woman?

- Man, I still think this is a bad idea.

I just got a funny feeling about this.

- Nick, would you please kick

his lame ass out and lock the door?

- Shut up! - Nate,

one more outburst out of you

and I will strangle you with the extension chord.

- [Carol] Dee Dee, come on,

you always have the most interesting day stories.

(moaning)

Girl, I wish this apartment building had a elevator,

everyday this is the walk I have to make.

- [Dee Dee] You know you gotta take one step

to get to the other side.

- (laughs) Girl I cannot wait to get in here

and kick off these shoes

and sit on the couch and relax my feet.

- It's not as, Amen. - It's been a long hot day.

- [Dee Dee] And I got a son.

(screaming)

- What, Dee Dee!

Dee Dee!

Oh, hell no!

What is that?

(upbeat funky music)

- I hope we're not busy the whole day today.

My mother said you used to own an old corner store

in her neighborhood, that's--

- Would you please let me finish this report

before my manager comes back?

Please sit there and shut up!

- You know what, since you're a little busy,

I'ma go wait in front until you--

- Oh no, hell you won't!

It's bad enough you came in here 30 minutes late,

now you messing up my concentration.

Let me ask you something.

Why do you wanna work here?

(clears throat)

- I think it'd be a good opportunity for me

to get some work experience and learn some responsibility

and make a little money in the process.

- Oh right, right, right.

Let me ask you again.

Why do you wanna work here?

- To tell you the truth, Mr. Johnson,

I really don't wanna work here.

But I made some promises.

And if I can make a little money in the process, so be it.

- Let me share something with you.

You're trying to con a con.

You're trying to con somebody that's already been

where you're trying to go.

- Okay, alright.

So now that we've got that out of the way,

where do we go from here?

- You can start by leaving my restaurant.

- Leave?

Why do you want me to leave?

- Because you're not here to work.

Get the hell out of my shop!

And go back to where they'll be glad to see your ass.

- What am I supposed to tell my mother?

I can't tell her I got fired on the first day.

- I don't know, tell her the truth.

Tell her you quit.

(upbeat music)

- [Carol] Oh girl, I am so glad that I do not have

to go back to that place again.

- [Dee Dee] Time will tell everything.

- I just feel like Nicholas needs a strong role model

in his life, like a good male figure you know?

I think Mr. Johnson will be good for that.

- Listen, speaking of male figures.

When are you gonna start dating again?

- Dating?

Dee Dee, where in hell did that come from?

- I don't know, I just get tired of seeing you

sitting in that apartment every single night.

I just thought you would like

some male companionship for a change.

- Girl, I am single with three kids,

as if a man really wants to be bothered with me.

- Do not use that as an excuse.

You have not made one single attempt.

Carol, Farris is old news.

Maybe you should just try and let it go.

- Girl, ain't nobody thinking about Farris.

- 'Cause you can best believe,

while you're miserable thinking about him,

that he is doing just fine not thinking about you.

Believe that.

- I wanna know where all this dating stuff came from.

- Nowhere!

Nowhere, I'm just trying to help you get rid

of some of those cob webs.

(laughing)

- Well you are my sister and I do know

how your twisted little mind thinks.

- Oh, okay.

What if I told you that I hooked you up with somebody?

- Dee Dee!

Dee Dee wait!

No, you didn't even have my permission!

- I know.

I know, I didn't think you would mind.

- Girl, I have got enough problems at home

without trying to get to know somebody.

- He's just a friend that I know

and he's single, what's the big deal?

- I can't believe this.

I just, I can't believe this.

- Look, I know you're bitter

and you have a right to be.

But after all this time, you have not once

tried to put your marriage behind you.

- Dee Dee, I don't think I can.

- And you really haven't talked about it either.

Now something is going on.

- I just wonder if he ever you know,

just if he thinks about-- - Farris?

If he thinks about what?

If what?

- Well you would think that after sometime,

that he would pick up the phone

and I don't know give an explanation for--

- Why?

Farris owes you nothing, he is selfish

and he does not want you to have closure.

That's the size of it.

- I don't know Dee Dee.

I just don't think I'm ready, I really don't.

♪ But now that won't do ♪

♪ 'Cause I need you here with me ♪

♪ To please you I'll do anything ♪

♪ Don't wanna dream no more ♪

♪ I wanna live my fantasy ♪

- [Nicholas] My mother that I were both

in places we did not want to be.

Since the meeting with principal Wheeler,

things for me were not exactly going according to plan.

So I knew I couldn't say anything

during dinner about what happened

at the restaurant with Mr. Johnson.

On the other hand, my mother wasn't doing so good herself.

You see, she had really been thinking

about the conversation that she had

with auntie Dee Dee earlier.

Especially since she hasn't seen anyone

since the family split.

And as for the conversation at dinner tonight,

nobody said one single word.

- What are you doing here?

- I think you made a mistake, sir.

- The only mistake here, Nicholas is you.

Please, pull the door up on your way out.

- Mr. Johnson, look, I'm sorry about yesterday.

And I came today to ask you for my job back.

- Well, let's just see what your school had to say.

You have an overall grade point average of F.

You've been suspended three times.

You have 45 absences and 35 tardies.

The only positive thing I see is that you might possibly

be able to join the baseball team.

I'm sorry, son.

Please close the door on your way out.

- Mr. Johnson, what am I supposed to tell my mother?

I can't tell her you fired me.

- Why not?

I know what's wrong.

You're afraid of what she's gonna do.

You're afraid she's gonna kick you out, aren't you?

Which is something she should've done a long time ago.

- Mr. Johnson.

I don't know what else to do.

I got nowhere else to go.

- See, that's the problem with all you teenagers.

You think you know everything

and the fact of the matter is, you don't know shit!

And you're too dumb to even realize it.

- [Nicholas] I just want to work, sir.

- Are you sure about this, son?

I'll tell you what.

I'm gonna go against my better judgment this once

and give you your job back.

But I warn you, if you fuck up once,

I'm gonna be on yo ass like white on rice.

- Thank you sir.

Thank you, Mr-- - Now go out in the front,

I'll be out there in a minute.

- [Nicholas] Alright.

(cars honking)

- Now you mean to tell me that a gorgeous,

beautiful, attractive woman such as yourself

has not been on one single date in three years?

I'm sorry Carol, but that's kinda hard

for a man of my intelligence to believe.

- It's hard for me to believe too but it's actually true.

- Look Carol, separation, divorce, whatever the case may be,

is never an easy thing to overcome.

- Avery I understand that but love can make you feel so low.

- True but the reality is that we all

have to start over at some point.

- You know, when I first got divorced,

I don't know, it was so weird.

It was like a huge relief, it was like this huge cloud

had been lifted off my shoulders.

- Do you know why that is?

- Why?

- Because sometimes bad marriages

have the power to destroy a person's soul.

- I just kinda thought that

all of our problems would be over.

Well, at least the major ones.

And I kinda feel like

all those insecurities are still there.

- Yeah.

- What about you?

I mean what kind of obstacles are you trying to overcome?

- Well, I must say, I've been happily divorced

and I repeat, happily divorced for over five years now.

- Okay, I got you, I got you.

- Yeah.

- So you like being single, yeah?

- Yeah, but it didn't start off that way.

Let me put it like this and I don't wanna sound

like I'm soft or sensitive or unmanly.

But I'ma keep it real with you.

After my divorce was final, I was hurt, you know.

I felt real empty on the inside

so I did what was comfortable.

I went out and I dated as many women as I could.

- Like most men.

- Not like most men but like a man who was heartbroken.

But you know what my biggest downfall was?

- What's that?

- I thought that being with a whole bunch

of different women was gonna make me happy.

- At least you had fun in the process.

- Yeah, but then when the smoke cleared,

the emptiness was still there.

And at that moment, it was then that I realized

I had to make myself happy.

- You see the lie that people tell themselves,

it's like they believe deep down inside

that once they get a divorce,

that they can easily replace that person

that they've been married to for years.

- It's easier said than done, Carol.

You see, it just doesn't work like that.

Not when emotions are involved.

- Yeah, I agree. - Yeah.

(glasses clinking)

- This is the bar area.

This is where you'll be working.

And this is where people will be picking up their food.

You do know how to take orders, don't you?

- Yeah, of course, sure.

Yeah, I know how. - Well, good.

Take the orders and always keep this area clean.

- Right, okay.

Hey, Mr. Johnson, who are these people on the wall?

- Oh, that's what I call my workers hall of fame.

Those are all the former knuckleheads like yourself

that used to work here (laughs).

- You must be proud of all of them.

- Oh yes, it's been some really good kids

to come through here over the years.

- Avery, I had such a good time this evening.

Thank you so much.

Well, I hope I didn't bore you with my past.

- You didn't bore me, and you needed

to get that out of your system.

♪ When you had to love somebody ♪

♪ When you wanna hold somebody ♪

- Wow, I hope Dee Dee didn't give you the wrong impression

but Avery I do have to go in alone.

You do understand?

- Yeah, yeah, sure.

I hope you didn't think I was trying to--

- No, no.

- I'll tell you what, I'll just see you later then.

- Okay, thank you. - You're welcome.

- [Monica] I had a call-in order.

- What's the name?

- [Monica] Phillips, Monica Phillips.

- Uh yeah, let me, let me see if I can find it.

- Wait a minute.

We go to school together, right?

- Yeah, yeah.

We do, we go to the same...

Ah here it is.

That'll be $8 even.

There's your receipt. - Thanks.

- And I'll be right back with your order.

Alright, Philly cheese steak, extra cheese

and I put you some extra napkins in the bag.

Here you go.

- Thanks.

- Hey Monica, wait up!

Hi. Um, listen.

I was, I usually don't do this but...

Look, how about you give me your number?

- My number?

- Well, yeah, I was hoping

to talk to you outside of this place.

- No, no.

I don't think so, no.

- Why not?

- I just don't think it's a very good idea.

No offense.

- Can you help me with this?

- Sure baby.

Let's see what's going on here.

Okay, see where you added...

(phone ringing)

Hang on, sweetie.

Hello?

Hey girl, nothing, just helping Marcus with his homework

and Nicholas is still at the restaurant.

What's going on?

- Well, what's the 4-1-1 on your date?

Dish me all the gossip.

- This is a nice place you got here Mr. Johnson.

You must be real proud of yourself.

- Oh, I do okay.

- Were you in the restaurant business forever,

like your whole life?

- No, I played professional baseball for 13 years.

- Oh what?

Get out of here, I would've never guessed it.

That's pretty cool.

- I grinded out the first 12 in the Minor Leagues

and finally in the last year I got called up by the Cubs.

- Man, that must've been rough

to play in the Minor League that whole time.

- Well, it made me mentally tough.

It gave me a chance to appreciate

what baseball has to offer.

- You know my dad used to always say that.

- Well your dad was right.

- He used to always say

that baseball was a thinking man's game.

- I'm gonna tell you something about life, son.

Life is 10% physical and 90% mental.

And not to mention,

I didn't do half bad with the ladies either.

(laughing)

- Okay.

- Oh, we just had dinner and then

he went on about his merry way.

- And?

That's it, no hugs, no kisses?

- I don't know Dee Dee, I'm just not like that.

Besides, telling you it's like

putting it all over the six o'clock news.

(laughs)

- Now that's my biggest problem, you know?

I never know what to say around girls, ever.

- Well, you're still a young man.

You're still learning.

It's not as difficult as it seems.

- You know, I'm a nobody at school.

You know, I'll be honest.

Girls tend to go for the more popular guy and...

- Yeah well, that's true.

But you're still trying to get your feet wet.

You just have to do the unexpected.

- I don't understand.

What do you mean unexpected?

- If a young man does the unexpected,

the young lady will usually do the rest for him.

- Mr. Johnson, I'm really slow.

You have to really explain this to me.

What do you mean?

- The unexpected is that you simply have to be yourself.

- [Nicholas] Hey, I wanna apologize about the other day.

I must have sounded like a complete idiot.

- [Monica] Apologize?

Apologize to me for what?

- [Nicholas] See, I don't know how to say this

but like I get kinda nervous around girls,

so I didn't wanna come off as being

disrespectful or rude to you or anything, so.

- [Monica] No, don't worry about it.

Really if anybody should be apologizing for anything,

it should probably be me.

- [Nicholas] Why should you apologize?

- [Monica] Well, believe it or not but sometimes

I can be pretty rude and obnoxious.

It's probably the biggest thing that I hate about myself.

- [Nicholas] I hadn't noticed.

(laughing)

- [Monica] I may be the head cheerleader

but I'm definitely not the most popular

person with the other students.

- [Nicholas] Well, getting to know people takes time.

I mean, Rome wasn't built in one day, you know?

Come on!

- [Monica] I guess.

- Alright, miss Monica.

I gotta ask you something.

I need your advice. - Advice?

Right now I'm probably the last person

you wanna take advice from.

- No, no, you can help, I think you can help.

You see, there's this particular young lady

who I'm really, really interested in getting to know

but the thing is I have no clue what to say to her.

- Well that all depends.

Is this young lady pretty?

- Pretty?

Pretty is an understatement, she's gorgeous!

But you know what?

That's not the first thing you notice about her.

- So where did you come from?

That day in the cafeteria was the first time I saw you.

- It doesn't matter.

All that matters is I never wanna go back.

- I understand.

I just moved here myself after my mom and dad split,

I came here to live with my grandparents.

- I know what that's like when parents splitting up.

And being in unfamiliar territory,

it's strange sometimes, you know?

- Right, it's not the best place in the world

but it's so much better than where you came from.

- Don't I know it?

Wake up now, go to sleep now!

- Join this squad, join that squad.

- You're moving too fast. - You're moving too slow.

- Yeah, you know sometimes parents can just

make you feel so-- - Make you feel so

Trapped. - Trapped.

Man, I'm telling you Mr. Johnson, this girl is cool.

She actually listened to every word I had to say.

- Man, women never cease to amaze me.

- She listened like to everything that came out of my mouth.

- Oh you can get used to that.

Girls hearing the words that are coming out of your mouth.

I'ma teach you everything

there is to know about talking to girls.

(soft piano music)

- [Nicholas] I can honestly say that things

were finally coming together for me.

I feel like I have been given a brand new purpose in life.

I didn't know where I was headed

but I knew for sure that I was not gonna turn back now.

Mr. Johnson was the first positive role model

that ever had patience with me.

He was the kind of person that was very easy to talk to

and I felt like I could just tell him anything.

He had given me that fatherly affection

that I never received from my own father.

I pulled my grades up and who knows?

I might even have a new girlfriend too.

Everything else going so good in my life.

I knew that there was one last thing I had to conquer.

- This is where it all began for me

right here on this diamond.

I owe my life to this.

I grew up in Mississippi, I was a fan of Satchel Paige

and Josh Gibson of the old Negro Leagues.

And I loved Jackie Robison and Elston Howard,

the first black man to play for the New York Yankees.

- I didn't know that.

- When I was five years old, I caught a game

that Willie Mays played in for the Birmingham Black Barrons.

- Is that right? - Yeah.

- Oh man!

- So you say you wanna make the baseball team.

- Yeah.

- Now it's my job to make sure that you reach that goal.

(soft music)

Let's get ready to play ball.

Now I want you to concentrate

on what you're doing out there.

But remember, your sole purpose

for being out there is to have fun.

Don't ever forget that.

Now that's what I'm talking about.

Yeah!

(clears throat)

(people chattering)

- I met somebody.

- What did you just say?

- I said I met somebody, you know, just a friend.

Well, your aunt Dee Dee kinda introduced me

to a gentleman that she knew

and we just kinda went out to dinner, that's all.

I just, I didn't wanna tell you

because I don't want you to think

that I was trying to hide anything from you

and well, with everything that's been going,

I just don't wanna add to the problem--

- I met somebody too.

- I'm sorry, what did you just say?

- I'm happy you went out and had a good time

and met somebody and I said I met somebody too.

- Well, who's the lucky girl?

- Her name is Monica.

We go to the same school.

- It's nice to see that everything

is working out around here.

- Yeah, you'd actually like her too, she's pretty cool.

- So tell me more about Monica.

(school bell rings) (upbeat music)

- So how does it feel to be an official adult?

- 18 years old, man.

- Hey, are you going to the party tonight, man?

- No, I can't make it, dude, I gotta work.

- Ah, it won't be the same without you there.

- That's right, a party at the Burlington's

won't feel the same without you in the corner all night.

(laughing)

- That's alright.

- I know that's right. - It's cool.

Yeah I know, I know.

- Hey guys.

- Hey, what's up? - What's up?

- Hey, I'll see y'all later, huh?

- Yeah, yeah, it's about that time.

- [Nicholas] Alright man, y'all have fun tonight.

- [William] Don't do nothing I wouldn't do.

- [Nicholas] Right.

- [Nate] Alright man, you take it easy now.

- You too now.

Y'all be safe.

So Nicholas, what do you have planned for tonight?

- Oh, tonight is not a special occasion at all,

you know that.

- What?

Well, what would you say if I asked you to take off work?

- Monica, it's Friday, come on.

It's our busiest night.

- So what? - I told Mr. Johnson

I'd be there.

- I just feel like I wanna do something special.

I mean, compared to other people,

since we met you made me feel different

like I really mattered to you.

Please?

(soft piano music)

(knocking on door)

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ Oh oh ♪

♪ I can do some things that you've never done before ♪

♪ Yeah yeah ♪

♪ I got some ideas for you, listen to me ♪

♪ Come over here baby sit on down and talk to me ♪

♪ What's on your mind ♪

♪ You look like you could use some TLC ♪

♪ A back massage and lean in slowly ♪

♪ I'll go rest your feet ♪

♪ I wanna do for you baby yes and you receive ♪

♪ You look so good ♪

♪ I wanna ever licking evening ♪

♪ How do you want it girl ♪

♪ Share with me your wettest dreams ♪

♪ I find your spot ♪

♪ I wanna hear you moaning, scream my name ♪

- I really don't know where to begin.

- You can begin by letting yourself out.

- Hey (laughs softly).

You know I thought we can talk about the things

that well, you know, that people talk about

that usually care for each other.

- Don't you dare play mind games with me, Farris.

You are in my house.

Now I want you to understand that you came here

in one piece and you better pray you leave the same way.

- Okay, okay.

But just let me go ahead and say my peace

and then I'll go right on my way.

Baby I'm so miserable without you.

It's not one day, not one day that goes by Carol

that I don't think about you.

- You had sex with your secretary

in our bathroom, in our house.

Do you have any idea what you put me through?

Let alone this family!

Do you, Farris?

- Baby, do you still me want me?

Do you still love me?

- That ain't got nothing to do with nothing.

- Carol, listen to me, we used to have

some good times together and I know you remember them.

I know you remember them.

You know, Carol life is just like a baseball game.

You have to go out there everyday.

That's right, to live my life thinking

that I can replace what I had with you with someone else.

But baby, over the course of time,

I realized that I could never,

I could never replace my wife.

So baby, I'm here to say I'm sorry

and I want you to come back home.

(door shuts)

- You will not believe what happened to me tonight.

Oh man.

- I love you Carol.

Let's be a family again, Carol.

Do you know this man had the audacity to try

and make me feel guilty after I caught him cheating?

- I hope you're not mad that I told him where you were.

- Girl, no, you're my sister.

You know, I didn't realize that I had so many emotions

bottled up inside of me.

It was like a huge relief.

- So what are you gonna do?

You obviously still care.

- I don't know.

I mean the boys are doing so well here

and girl, this is my home now.

- Home is where the heart is.

Take it from me Carol, you do not wanna spend

the rest of your life wondering

if you and your husband could've worked things out.

- So hypothetically speaking,

if Nate and William's father came back into your life,

would you accept him?

- Oh, hell no!

(people chattering)

- [Nicholas] So how do I look?

- So you made the baseball team, that's real good.

I'm proud of you son.

- Oh man, thanks a lot Mr. Johnson,

that means so much to me.

I had the final trials yesterday after school

and coach handed these out this morning, pretty cool, huh?

(soft piano music)

You know, I got a few weeks 'til the first game,

you know, maybe we can work on my swing a little bit.

Mr. Johnson, what's wrong?

You don't seem happy at all.

- Oh, I am happy for you.

I just don't think you're gonna be working here anymore.

- Of course I will.

Come on, the days I don't got games,

I can come in and work, it's not a big deal--

- Nick, you being on the baseball team is not the problem.

- Okay, then what's the problem?

What's he doing here?

- He ain't looking for ice cream.

He came here over an hour ago looking for you.

I think you ought to go out there and talk to him.

- No, no, not at all, Mr. Johnson.

I have nothing to say to Ricky, nothing.

- Now you listen to me.

You once told me I had made a mistake.

What if I hadn't listen to you?

- Long time, no see.

- What are you doing here, Ricky?

- Won't you have a seat?

Just came to see what's up.

See how my little brother was doing.

- You know, after dad paid mom that little visit...

I knew it was only a matter of time before you'd be here.

- Listen, Nicholas, this is serious business.

No fooling around.

I'm gonna turn pro.

- What? - That's right!

I'm gonna turn pro.

I mean, who knows where I'm gonna end up.

- Did somebody put you up to this?

- No, this is my decision.

I haven't told anybody about this and I do mean anybody.

Not even our father.

- Okay, so what does any of this have to do with me?

- I'm gonna talk to my old high school coach.

I could probably get you on the baseball team

before the season even starts.

Since I was hoping that you'd be moving back home.

- No, in fact, hell no!

Ricky I don't need your help!

I'm perfectly fine where I am, okay?

Thank you.

- As always, that's your damn problem.

You never wanted to listen to anybody.

- You know what, Ricky?

I think back to when we were little,

when you won the Little League's Player of the Year Award.

Dad must have took like five, six,

maybe even seven rolls of film on you.

That was like the greatest day of his life.

From that day on, I grew up just wishing,

praying and just hoping

that I could be just like you someday.

But I had to learn the hard way.

I'm not you!

And I could never be you.

It's hard enough in life just trying to be me.

- So I guess that makes you a man now, huh?

- Life is like a game of baseball, Ricky.

You play it everyday.

- Not talking about it is not gonna make it go away.

You're gonna leave, aren't you?

- Yes, no.

I don't even know.

- I thought you made a better life for yourself here.

Why go back to the same disappointments?

- It's my mother, you know?

I can't let her down, I put her through too much.

I gotta do what's right.

- Do you know how long it took me

to find somebody that truly believes in me?

I just don't want you to go.

- I don't wanna go either

but life throws curve balls sometimes.

You just gotta adjust.

And I'll call you everyday and I'll come visit you

every weekend, it'll be like I never left.

Come on, you know, come on.

- Sure, you'll call everyday?

- Like clockwork.

Come on, you think I wouldn't?

- And then everyday will turn into once a week

and once a week will turn into once a month

and before you know it, the ties will be broken.

(soft piano music)

(birds chirping)

- [Nicholas] From the time my mother left my father

up to this point, I truly believe she was not a happy woman.

When she decided that we would leave three years ago,

there was truly a major void in her life

that no other man was able to fill.

Life can be tricky like that sometimes.

You see, deep down inside, my mother knew

that her heart never completely left home.

And she felt that she did not have enough time

to completely start over.

I guess you can say she just simply wanted to be happy.

As for me, I didn't wanna leave the foundation

I had built for myself.

Either way, my decision was not going to be easy.

(knocking on door)

- Come in!

- Well, finished all my work.

It's really slow out there today.

- Okay.

- So, my work here is done and I guess this is it.

- So you're breaking out on me.

- Yeah, this is goodbye.

Thanks for everything, Mr. Johnson.

(soft piano music)

- That's my boy!

(applauding)

What's wrong with you?

Where's your mind?

Get that smile off your face, Marcus,

this is a serious matter.

I told you to concentrate on the baseball

when you're out here in the field, didn't I?

(knocking on door)

- Come in!

- [Nicholas] I came to ask you my old job back.

- Hey, knucklehead.

Boy I see you in a dog's age.

Come on, let me show you around the restaurant.

- Let's do it.

(upbeat music)

♪ I was always looking for someone ♪

♪ Someone to fulfill my needs ♪

♪ But everyone that comes along ♪

♪ They never seem to succeed ♪

♪ So how do I get next to you ♪

♪ I see you wanted time it's true ♪

♪ We can start off with what's your name ♪

♪ Baby then I can give you the same ♪

♪ I see you walking down the street ♪

♪ You're someone that I'd like to meet ♪

♪ We can start out, no baby that's no way to go ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ I know that this is out of the blue ♪

♪ But who I'm looking for I'd lie to you ♪

♪ I was in the street, saw your car ♪

♪ So a question if you don't mind ♪

♪ Don't you think it's time we meet ♪

♪ I can't keep stalking you in the street ♪

♪ Maybe it's love we will find ♪

♪ Or maybe we will end up best friends ♪

♪ Who knows how this thing will end ♪

♪ I just want a chance to know ♪

♪ How far... how far this thing ♪

♪ Can go ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ Hey, what's up ♪

♪ Hardly seeing you around ♪

♪ [Laughs] Yeah I may be pushing ♪

♪ I know it's out of the blue but I was just wondering ♪

♪ If we could get out ♪

♪ And if not, it was nice to be able just to say ♪

♪ Hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪

♪ I wanna get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Can I get to know who are you more better ♪

♪ Or just to say hello, hello, hello... ♪