Original subtitles

You told me someone close to you died.

[David] He was like, the only thing to me.

He was worried about where I was going.

You're supposed to be focused on school.

I'm so sorry, I know!

[David] I just keep thinking about this poem he taught me,

All Things Must Die.

Something happen?

Got fired, no job, no promotion.

Do not worry 'bout nothin', it's gonna be okay.

Hey!

Be lucky you got company,

'cause you were gonna get an attitude adjustment.

-Move. -You should tell somebody.

-Who? -What's up?

What's Damien want?

I need a girls voice for my project.

Ask nice!

-Ooh, there go Kari's hair. -[giggling girls]

[soft music]

[David] The sea and all of its creatures

are still so far from us.

[soft music]

Right there

-We might as well. -[Seren] We might as well

be on another planet.

[creaking]

Still so much danger...

in life we don't know about.

We haven't even figured out

-all the secrets... -[Marissa] ...all the secrets to spiders.

[soft music]

What mysteries are in their eyes.

Are we a mystery to them?

Are we like beings from a galaxy far away

that they cannot understand?

-Aw, or? -[loud smack]

-No! -[boy giggling]

Why would you do that?

[mother] Marissa, stop dreaming!

Get him ready for school.

[metal clattering]

Ugh, what's that noise?

-[loud banging] -Mama.

-She's home, remember? -[sighs]

Hi, Mama.

You already awake?

-I see you started cooking. -Mm-hmm.

And I made muffins!

David, why are these dryer sheets in here?

-David? -Yes, ma'am?

-What is this? -I can--

"Come for a magical night under the sun?"

Well, that don't make any sense.

There's a school dance tomorrow night?

You don't want to go?

It costs money.

And I figured I'd be watching JG so.

-Are your friends going? -Probably.

Then you are too.

I got JG, we good.

How much are the tickets, five dollars each?

Yeah, I think so.

-Can I have? -What's this?

Uh...

Just some math stuff I was doin'.

I'ma go!

I'm excited to go.

-Who you gone take? -What?

You gotta take somebody.

Ah, promise!

I promise.

Ooh, I can't wait to take pictures!

-["Everybody Get Down" by Korr-A playing] -Wash his face good!

No kras kaka in his eye.

When you move out my house you can make your own choices.

But until then you wear what I tell you.

Mom, we're supposed to wear uniforms.

Oh, you want to try me?

Ow!

-Don't move! -It's hot!

[speaking in foreign language]

You look good.

That boy Seren is definitely going to ask you.

I'm gonna miss the bus.

The bus just left, the bus just left!

Mom!

[mother] That better be Razac lotion.

[song continues]

Oh no! The TV!

JG, don't say nothin'.

Don't snap at your brother.

You read a book.

I got everything under control, okay?

[song ends]

[theme music]

And then, that's when they gave out Lemon Heads.

And I wanted to save half?

And now my shirts smell like lemonade?

-Yep. -[kids] ♪ Say one, two, three, four

You have your second session with the counselor today?

I pay attention.

And the project go good with Seren?

Yes, ma'am.

♪ Two, three, four, five, six, seven ♪

♪ Eight, nine, ten

-♪ Down by the river... -Uh-uh, let me get in on that!

Ma, we gone be late.

I can tell time, sir.

Yeah, relax, sir!

When Mama take me to school we always early.

-Come on, JG, let's jump. -Oh, me too?

-[all giggling] -Come on, JG!

All right, do over, do over, do over.

Evie, Ivy, Oh, Ma!

-♪ Down by the river -You're mom is cool.

♪ Where the bull frogs jump from bank to banky ♪

-You gonna try it? -♪ One, two, three

-[girls laughing] -Come on.

You know you want to.

-[Gloria laughing] -[steady heartbeat]

[Gloria] Whew, that's all I got in me.

David's smart ass over there

trying to calculate the angles 'stead of just jumping in.

Don't be salty, Dai, you could still get it.

Ms. Shella, I'ma pretend

like you ain't just say that about my son.

My bad, Ms. Glo!

I forgot you was his mom!

Eh, get ya'll asses to school!

-Loitering all over the place. -[blows raspberry]

Oh, come on, Shella, keep your tongue in your mouth.

-Go on, girls! -Okay, bye, girl!

Bye, Dai. See you around?

[soft upbeat music]

-[suspense music] -Sorry.

Bye, Dai, see you around? [chuckling]

I see you, playa!

It wasn't all that.

She was feelin' you, yo!

Why you ain't talk to her?

I don't know, I tried.

[laughs]

DJ, good to see you

standing where you belong this morning!

[pop music]

-Marissa! -Yeah?

You look nice.

-Really? -Yeah! Uh...

Actually, you want to go to the dance with me tomorrow?

I just, I only asked 'cause I have to take somebody.

Might as well be you.

Oh, well, no thanks.

[pop music]

[bell rings]

Dr. Bree, I didn't mean to worry you.

[door opens]

[Dr. Bree] Sorry about that.

I didn't mean to surprise you.

Dr. Bree, I'm sorry about what I...

I'm sorry, David, go on.

You were saying?

What's that for?

-Piss? -Uh-huh!

[Dr. Bree] On fire?

She said, Who set these... sheets on fire?"

-You can say pissy. -I can?

You're quoting and I asked you.

That's true and piss ain't a curse.

-And Mrs. Hertrude? -Kept screamin'.

She all up in everybody business, she straight trife.

So this is why your mom asks you to watch him?

-JG doesn't think first. -But you do?

Who watches you while you watch your brother?

Ms... Elijah.

Is it Ms. or Elijah?

I don't, we just call them Ms. Elijah.

I see, so how do you feel about Ms. Elijah watching you?

It is what it is.

Did Ms. Elijah do something to make you uncomfortable?

Nah, she's just... different.

-Different? -I'm not homophobia.

-Pardon? -I mean...

people talk about Ms. Elijah,

and well, she's been good to me and JG.

Did your mom have your friend watch you,

before Ms. Elijah?

The one that passed away this summer.

What was his name again?

Sky.

Was that his real name?

-I don't think so. -You don't think?

His real name was Lamar.

-Like the sea. -What?

La Mar or El mar means the sea.

How'd he end up with a name like Sky?

He was a dealer, right?

Your mom let you hang out with dealers?

No, she got mad when she found out I was, no!

So even though she didn't want you to,

you still found time to hang out with Sky on your own?

Now, was that a good decision?

Why did you say that last week, "all things must die"?

'Cause that's true.

The only thing you can trust.

[Dr. Bree] Did you trust Sky?

Yeah.

[Dr. Bree] Who now?

Do you talk to your friends about this side of you?

Do they know about your home life, Ms. Elijah,

Mrs. Hertrude, how you take care of your brother?

-You don't trust them? -I didn't say that.

[Dr. Bree] That would be hard,

having to split yourself like that.

What about Seren?

You said that's why you and Seren were close

because you can tell him stuff.

Do you feel like he sees these different sides of you?

-If this is too much... -I can handle it.

Okay, okay.

How did you find out that Sky passed?

Did your mom tell you?

David?

Tired.

You mentioned that last time too, you were tired.

How much sleep are you getting a night?

A few hours.

I just lay there, up.

I can give you something to help you sleep at night.

-Do you think your mother-- -No!

You can't do that.

[bell ringing]

David, I know Principal Fallow

only mandated these two sessions,

but we're finally starting to get somewhere.

Would you like to meet a few more times?

-I have to? -It's up to you,

and your mom, of course.

David, I'm here to help...

if you want that.

I'll wait a few days

-before I give away your time slot, okay-- -[door closes]

[sighs]

-[chatter] -Hey, hey!

Hey, what's up?

-Your elbow's ashy. -Your life is ashy!

Hey, you're going to the dance now?

Who told you?

I have to, you?

He's going with me, I asked him this morning.

-Seriously? -[bell ringing]

-[upbeat music] -[mumbles, indistinct]

[groaning]

[teacher] Imagine you have three octopi, right?

Each one has eight legs.

So how many legs are in the net now.

Anyone?

Lon's already taking her to the dance.

-Mind your business. -Mr. Lopez?

The plural of Octopus is actually Octopuses, not Octopi.

[class snickering]

Better grow boobs, she likes girls.

[David sighs]

Hey, she's cute!

She's going with Derek.

Nobody asked you!

Hey, it's not a big deal to go alone, just go alone.

That's what I was gonna do.

-I promised my mom. -So?

We're serious about promises.

Out of your league.

[chuckles]

-Naomi? -Taken.

-Ola? -Same.

Oh, my God.

-Shut up! -[laughing]

Dr. Bree, hey there!

-How you doing? -Great, and you?

Yeah, still getting settled, getting the lay of the land.

-Makes two of us. -What, are you heading out?

No, actually, I was wondering about David Young.

-Oh, he's come in. -Twice, right?

-Yes. -Well, given that,

I was wondering if, in your mind, he's handling the pressures

of the Magnet Program appropriately?

Wait, what?

I mean, you are aware, of course, he was in that fight?

I'm not confused about the conversation,

I'm just concerned about how we're having it.

-[chatter] -[soft music]

[Sky] Man O'War, what's on your mind?

Dr. Bree.

[Sky] You got him right where you want him.

See him again.

Have your mama call, set him straight.

Tell him all 'bout how--

I don't want to see him again!

I'm not in the mood.

[Sky chuckling] Gotta stay on point.

Don't you need a date?

You should be begging me for advice!

You know I used to poetize these hoes.

[chuckling] Tare, my pearl, my sapphire.

-You corny. -I seen you lookin' at her.

You gotta let Tare know you want her,

but don't say too much.

When you see her, stare.

When she look at you, look away.

[chuckling] Come on, you try.

Don't make me ask you again.

Ah yeah, that's what I'm talkin' bout!

Now, let's get loose so you ready.

I ain't goin' nowhere with you right now.

-Yes, you are. -Nuh-uh!

Come on, you know you want to.

[upbeat music]

[announcer] Coming to the stage,

our poet laureate

David Young!

♪ I don't love her

♪ I tried to tell myself

♪ But you can see it in my eyes ♪

♪ So don't deny

♪ I can't fool no one else

♪ The truth is in the tears I cry ♪

♪ 'Cause if it isn't love

♪ Why do I feel this way

♪ Why does she stay on my mind ♪

♪ And if it isn't love

♪ Why does it hurt so bad

♪ Make me feel so sad inside

♪ If it isn't love

-♪ Maybe she'll take me back -♪ Hey girl, he's begging

♪ I made a big mistake

♪ Won't you forgive him, girl

♪ Now I can feel it

♪ He's never felt before

♪ I really love her

♪ You love her, what?

[song ends]

The fuck you doin', nigga?!

[girl] He said 'my pearl', I heard 'em!

Shit, you tryna mack?

-Nah! I was just... -[laughter]

You betta tighten up, Dai!

Out here with that weak-ass game.

Come on, dude, shit.

[steady heartbeat]

Sapphire.

What did you just say?

Isn't that the wrong color?

What, that Tare!

Ay, she gon' be thick as fuck when she get grown.

Shit, I didn't know she 'bout to be open for business!

Oh, you mad. [laughing]

He mad! [laughing]

Oh shit, man.

Hey, dawg. Come on, dawg.

[Gloria] Jesus Christ, more piss?

Mission Martian compromised!

-Abort, abort! -This can't keep happening!

Do you want me to put these pissy sheets

back on your bed and make you sleep on 'em?

-No! -Then you need to stop it!

The whole place smell like piss

been sittin' in here for weeks!

You're too old for this.

Jonathan Greg, do you hear me?!

I'm sorry, Mama.

I'm sorry.

It's all right, okay now.

-Well, hello to you too. -Hey, Mama.

You got a date for the dance?

I was too busy with the counselor today.

[soft music]

Why don't you take that girl, Tare?

-She cute! -Mama, please get out!

Wait, what is that on your arm?

I gave blood and some plasma.

Don't worry, I'm on top of it.

-Mama, come on! -I bet it'll still fit.

Damn when you home, you home.

What did you just say?

-Nothing. -Good.

Put it on.

[upbeat music]

-So handsome, my man! -[laughing]

[laughing] Is them short pants or long shorts?

JG, stop actin' like you ain't never seen a man in a suit.

You look like Ms. Elijah in capris!

-It don't fit. -You must acquit!

Do you even know what that means?

Sit your lil' behind down, I ain't done with you.

So glad that TV gone.

Ma, these are too short!

What do you mean? That's the style.

I can't wear this.

I paid good money for that suit.

You're gonna wear it at least once.

I don't know why you so upset, you look good.

Go ask a girl out right now with them pants on,

I bet you she say yes.

-JG, I'ma... -Go on, go.

-Right now, really? -You'll thank me.

-You love me? -Of course.

Please don't make me do this.

-Boy! -[JG laughing]

Anyone would be lucky to have you.

One second.

[JG] Yo Dai, I'ma need my pants back.

[laughing]

Put this on.

[JG] Oh, my God.

Don't come back 'til you got a date.

[JG laughing]

[soft music]

Hey Tare, I think we'd look great together

if we went to the dance...

together.

-Fuck! -[Ms. Elijah] David?

Is that you down there with all that mouth?

Sorry, Ms. Elijah.

And what is going on with that bottom half?

My mama said that's the style.

Child, bless Gloria,

You know that girl tried to get me

to wear an Armani suit to the MET Gala.

[scoffs] No, ma'am, come on.

Now remember when you ask a woman out,

you gotta be graceful, poised.

You tryna rip my favorite pants?

They all your favorite pants.

It's hot!

It is a cloth that does not breathe.

Like I was saying, you gotta walk on air.

Like Prince, lithe is sexy.

I mean it, David, I know what I'm talking about.

Ooh, Star Child, go get that dickie from the dresser.

-The dickie? -Tuck that in

under your jacket, it'll look so nice, baroque!

Ooh, and we need a flower for your lapel.

-Go get a flower for his lapel. -No thanks,

Ms. Elijah, I'm good.

Really, just the pants, if that's okay.

Well, all right then.

But just remember, women love a sensitive man.

So don't be your hardest self, okay.

Be open.

Let her know right away how much she means to you.

Tell her you've been watching her from afar.

Positively pining.

Paralyzed, unable to approach such beauty.

And of course, don't forget to come armed with facts.

-What? -Women love facts.

And, David, unbutton your shirt a little bit.

You know, use what God gave you.

[soft knocking]

Hey... what's up?

Did you know it's octopuses, not octopi?

Like the plural, of an animal?

-When it's two or more. -Oh, okay.

So, um... would you go with me... tomorrow night?

There's this school dance.

[Mrs. Kelly] Seren, did you wipe down the table?

[Seren] Yes, ma'am!

Don't shout!

Honey, can you clear the Le Creuset?

It's just so heavy.

I can keep holding the pot.

Oh, the stamina!

Mm.

Mm.

[Mrs. Kelly] Oh, my God, oh, that hair!

[Mr. Kelly] What a handsome young man you've become.

I'll go get the camera!

Let me help you.

I'll show you as many times as you need,

but it's simple,

you start with the back side of the tie facing away from you.

Marissa, I get the feeling you're like me.

You, we, see what's...

special about Seren.

What's special.

Sometimes he just needs a little reminder.

[Mrs. Kelly] Outside everybody!

I know the sun's going down, but I'll be damned

if I don't get a picture by the bougainvillea.

One moment, Marissa.

Don't give away the farm.

Closer! Closer.

Come on Ms. Cueva, get in one!

Ma, we have to go.

-We're gonna miss the bus. -The bus?

I borrowed Ms. Elijah's car,

I'm driving you two, hey!

[rap music playing]

[Seren] Hey!

This is Tare.

Seren, Marissa.

-It's so nice to meet you! -You too.

So, ya'll go to school with Dai?

-Who's Dai? -[suspense music]

Dai, right here.

-You mean DJ? -Yeah.

[loud crashing]

I mean, Dai, that sounds nice.

-Why your tie pink? -To match my dress.

I love a pink tie.

And Marissa, I love your hair.

Dai didn't tell me his friends were so cool.

-Where's the bathroom? -You know, I was about to go.

-I'll show you. -Perfect.

Are you wearing cucumber Dove?

[loud banging]

[dance music playing]

I'm applying to New World for dance.

Mrs. Evert, I know, she runs their program, I know her.

I think she'll love you.

Oh, you haven't even seen me move.

[Dr. Woods] Well, I'm sure I'll be impressed.

David's gonna go to Hurston.

I know that's what he'd like.

[Tare] I have no idea why.

Who wants to go to a sleep away school with all those boys?

[chuckling] Have you and David known each other long?

Mm-hmm, we both live in The Ville!

He used to run around with this group of boys

and one of them was always coming up

and lifting girls shirts, David was following

-right behind them. -Let's dance!

-Oh okay, bye WT! -[chuckles] Bye!

Why didn't you let me finish the story

about how we first met?

You shoved that kid who was about to grab me, remember?

-My Superman. -Oh, I forgot.

Come on, Dai.

You the one that wanted to dance!

[upbeat music]

-[soft music fades in] -[steady heartbeat]

-Dai! -What?

Did you see that there's a chocolate fountain?

[dance music playing]

Pussy.

Don't worry about them.

They're just mad because you're special, and they aren't.

Ma is not going to believe

that there was a real chocolate fountain

with marshmallows and strawberries, like in movies.

Ooh, I can't wait to tell Shella.

She's gone be hateful!

Why would you tell Shella?

Why would I not?

It's just, with Shella, once she knows something

the whole Ville gonna know about it.

And they can't know because?

I mean, it's not like they can't know,

I just feel like, can't things just be private?

Oh, my God, you're ashamed of me.

That's why you been actin weird all night.

-No, no, it's just-- -You just, you just what?

Now that I'm here I embarrass you

in front of your little magnet school friends?

No, it's Shinobi and them!

Oh, you don't want them to know?

Kill your hard-ass dope-dealer rep?

Tare, please!

Nuh-uh, I'm too good for this!

[somber music]

[frog chirping]

[Sky] You know what that noise mean?

Matin' season. Hey! [chuckling]

You a'ight?

I'm mad I can't be normal.

Fuck normal.

Name one person you like that's normal?

-I like you. -Point!

I am the opposite of the word.

Look, Dai, it's all right, man.

This light work, just school and your girl.

[laughing] Look at you.

Hanging your head so hard you fittin' to break your neck.

I'm sorry, I fuck everything up.

[frog chirps]

-Oh, my God! -Don't be scared.

It won't hurt you!

Do you wanna hold it?

Oh no, you couldn't pay me.

I'll keep it away from you.

I just wanna make sure it gets outside safe, okay?

Can I sit?

You know that girl Marissa likes you, right?

What?

Nah, no way, uh-uh!

Then why'd she look at me

like she was tryna cut me when I walked in?

That's crazy, she can't stand me.

But Seren's nice.

It's cool that you got a gay friend.

He ain't.

You're only sayin' that 'cause he light-skinned.

[laughing]

I see things, don't get it twisted.

He seems like a really good friend.

So...

-you still mad or what? -[laughing]

Wait!

I'ma miss you, man!

Only boys play with those.

You're a little man now.

-Right? -Right.

Any last words?

Okay then, now you're cured.

No more pissy sheets!

[chuckling]

Um...

Thanks for coming.

You owe me, I still haven't had a fondue fountain.

[Ms. Cueva coughing]

Bye, Dai.

[tires screeching]

[guys laughing and chattering]

[Sky] I was too young when I had a kid.

Fuckin' round with Angie.

Pussy got me stuck.

That boy down there,

more like my little brother than my son.

And that ain't how you're supposed to raise a kid.

That's life though.

Doing things you don't want to.

Fuck man...

I fuck everything up.

Well, almost everything.

[Gloria and JG giggling]

David?

[intense music]