Original subtitles

Life is all about choices

and the choices we make can either make or break us.

My name is Aisha and this is my story.

The cops would not be coming around here

if you weren't selling that weed.

I quit doing that shit.

This is my mom

and my brother kevon.

As usual, kevon does something mad dumb and ma gets pissed.

Mom, why do you keep sweating me?

I can't have you here causing trouble.

Wait. You kicking me out?

Yes, I am. Uncle Harold has offered

to have you stay with him.

Ma.

Hold on, baby girl.

You either stay here or get a real job.

I'm out, ma.

Read this letter. It's really important.

Kevon was our school's basketball star.

But tragedy changed kevon's life

when his best friend Quinton was shot at the basketball court.

The murder trial for Quinton took a toll on kevon.

He started smoking weed, and he eventually dropped out of school.

Ma tried her best to keep him on track,

but he slipped further and further away.

My dad was in the army,

and he died in combat five years ago.

My mom still struggles with his absence.

Every school has their it girls.

The popular girls,

the ones that everyone wants to be friends with.

Rudy is the it girl.

And as you know, every it girl needs a supporting cast.

Tonya and shakia play that role quite well.

They're her minions.

Lance mathews, the school's basketball star.

He's smart and focused.

Every girl in this school wants to get with Lance.

I don't stand a chance against girls like Rudy.

Why would a boy like Lance look at a girl like me?

Marisa and I have been friends since preschool.

No one messes with Marisa.

Oh, my god. I thought I missed the bus.

- I was running mad late. - No, you didn't.

What's up? You don't know how to answer texts?

I got home mad late last night,

and I didn't see 'em 'til, like, midnight.

I was out with bae.

And?

No, you didn't.

No, just kidding.

But I am not graduating high school a virgin.

Believe me.

Marisa, you're too much sometimes.

Bitch, you love me.

All right, so here's the tea.

Last night, I got a letter in the mail saying

I'm one of the four finalists for the Conrad scholarship.

Oh, my god.

Girl, I knew that essay you wrote was bomb.

So I guess my dream to go to Harvard will come true.

Bro, if you get it,

that shit'll be bomb.

Marcus completes our trio.

He's my best friend.

And unfortunately, boys like Terrell like to pick on him.

Oh, shit. My bad.

- What the fuck, bro? - Faggot.

This is so fucking annoying.

- I'm sorry. Are you all right? - Yeah.

Look, i'MMA go over there

and punch his bitch ass in the face.

'Risa, I love you, but please let it go.

Fine.

Wait for this frickin' bus.

Hey.

This guy. Oh, my god.

Come sit with me and my boys.

Yo, Jayden's mad annoying.

- Later then? - Yeah.

- Same spot? - You already know.

Ew! Look at you blushing.

- Oh, my god. - Yeah. You're pathetic.

What, bye. You're just jealous.

- Mmm-mmm. - Mmm-hmm.

- Okay, let's do sat words. - All right.

Where are we with the scoring board?

You're at 25. Marisa 23, and I need to catch up. Only 20.

Okay, the word is ubiquitous.

You always gotta come up with the hard words.

I know this one. Uh... uh...

Does it mean to be everywhere?

Like to be present or something like that?

- You got it. - Okay.

I'm coming for y'all ladies. Y'all better watch out.

Okay, your score is 22.

You know what?

I'm not really feeling this class.

Miss Jones is mad aggy.

True.

I'm not trying to waste my morning in that class honestly,

and I don't give a shit.

Guys, we're getting in deep shit

if we don't go to class though.

Who gives a shit?

Terrell.

I can't believe they would do that in school.

Yo, that's the thug life.

We didn't see anything.

You heard me? Nothing.

Good morning.

Good morning, Dudley high.

Our very own.

Aisha Johnson is the first student ever

from Dudley high to make it this far

for the Conrad scholarship.

Let's congratulate Aisha!

That's what's up!

We are so proud of you, Aisha.

Thanks for writing my recommendation letter, miss.

I'm sure that helped.

You're welcome. But it was your essay and gpa

that got you to the finals.

Marisa is here.

Aisha...

Marcus...

Terrell and Lance.

I'm missing Rudy,

Tonya and shakia.

Has anyone seen them?

Aisha?

Can I use the bathroom, miss?

Come get a pass.

Damn, Tonya.

You still can't hinge?

Ain't that your cousin?

These private school kids,

they never get used to it.

Watch.

See? Easy peasy.

It's ashy Aisha looking raggedy.

Yo, y'all see that tired ass grandma shit she wore yesterday?

You know, when she wore that faded t-shirt,

I wanted to slap her

for being so dumb.

Yo, she annoys the heck out of me.

Always using her damn hand

like she's the Wikipedia or some shit.

Like shut the fuck up.

The other day, I saw her looking at Lance.

I was like, girl, back up.

Like he's really gonna smash.

Girl, where are you going?

You almost ran over me.

Sorry, miss quanda.

I'm headed to class.

Have you been smoking weed?

No, I never.

Then, why do I smell weed on you?

No, miss. I would never, you know me.

Even the good ones surprise me sometimes.

Follow me to the principal's office.

Quanda, I wasn't the one smoking.

Then, who was it?

Do I look like boo boo, the fool?

Come on now, miss. I'm... I'm not ratting.

Don't play the "I ain't snitching" game with me.

I don't have all day.

Tell me who was smoking.

Heard you're a finalist.

You think they're going to give the scholarship

to someone who has a history

of smoking weed in school?

Please don't make me say it, please.

Give me a name or you take the fall for it.

You okay with that?

This is the moment when I was presented with a hard choice.

I worked so hard to get a chance at this scholarship.

I wasn't going to let Rudy and her minions take it away from me.

Hell, no.

They're in there.

You sure?

Is that right?

Thanks for the info, Aisha.

Who in there?

It's just us.

- In one stall? - Mmm-hmm.

Y'all was smoking weed, huh?

I can smell it.

No.

It smelled like this when we got in here.

Don't lie to me.

Well, it wasn't us.

We have nothing on us.

You flushed it, huh?

Now, I know all the tricks and the foolery.

I've been around a lot longer than all y'all.

Follow me.

Ms. Kimmel.

They were up to no good in the bathroom again.

Wait here for the principal.

I have other business to get to.

- Hey, quanda. - Hey.

I need to see Terrell.

Yeah.

Terrell,

quanda needs to speak with you.

About what?

It's a private matter.

You gonna open this for me?

Nah.

I can open it myself.

You're not about to search my locker, dog.

Yes, I am.

You gonna tell me what's in there?

Nah.

This ain't my locker anyway.

Whatever is in there ain't mine.

Okay, that's what they all say.

So what's going on here?

I don't even know, dog.

Hmm?

Hmm. Mr. Terrell Freeman.

We got to get in that locker,

and you know we'll use any means necessary, brother.

Nah, this ain't my locker anyway.

I ain't used it since last year.

Yeah, right.

- Oooh. - What?

No, let go! Fuck off, man!

Fuck off!

Get him out of here

because he will not be back!

Let's go.

What? You all again?

All three of you are going to get a three-day suspension,

and then after that,

you're going to attend drug counseling.

Mrs. Kimmel, can you please give them their suspension papers?

Thank you!

Look, I wasn't going to lose my chance

at the scholarship.

And Terrell won't bother you anymore, Marcus.

Look, hon, thanks for trying to help, but Marisa's right.

Sometimes it's easier just to zip it.

You guys are really forcing it.

Okay, let's just hope it's nothing.

I read a quote the other day by Martin Luther King.

"Our lives begin to end the moment we remain silent about the things that matter."

I know I did the right thing.

Aisha, I get it,

but we're in the hood.

And here you got to learn

to keep your mouth shut for your own good.

I... I'm sure it's not as bad as you guys think it is.

I hope I'm wrong.

I really hope so.

Whatever. Let's just go get slushies. On me.

You better 'cause you owe me.

- Right. - Okay, I know.

'Sup shorties?

Buck!

Hey, boo.

That's a nice song.

No, no, no, no, no...

Heard t got caught with all our shit,

our money, our weed, all of our shit.

This just happened.

Derek hit me up and said some girl snitched on you and t,

so who's the snitch?

Aisha?

Who's that?

Some ashy girl.

I'll show you where she lives.

Oh, no.

- You motherfucker! - No, Marisa.

Marisa.

- I can explain. - Yeah, go on.

She don't mean a thing.

You're the only fish I got eyes on.

Go on. He's just like the rest of 'em.

I mean it. She means nothing to me.

I'm sorry, Marisa.

Fuck you, asshole.

Marisa, don't worry about him, okay?

Don't you ever think of calling me back

or texting me again.

He ain't worth it. He's a bum.

I thought he'd change.

Sorry, boo. He'd been a hoe all his life.

- I'm just glad you see it now. - Mmm-hmm.

That really ruined my frickin day.

I'm gonna go, guys. Catch you later.

Marisa, wai...

No... she'll be fine.

Don't worry about her.

That's her, the girl with the long hair.

She gonna learn.

What's good?

So, one of our boys,

t, got caught at the school.

He is in juvie right now.

You're gonna have to find someone at the high school asap.

Sure. I know a few guys out there.

Good.

Get one of the youngest to push it.

All right. Say no more.

I got you.

All right, we're done here. Don't fuck this up.

All right.

So if you get this scholarship, it will be a full ride?

- Yep. - That would be so great.

God is great.

It's not mine yet, ma.

I gotta do well in the sat's first.

They're calling me a rat and a snitch.

We told you this was going to happen,

look, next time just shut your mouth, Aisha.

I'm literally enemy of the state right now.

Look, don't worry.

You just have to ignore them. Okay?

God, I fucked up.

Look, it'll pass.

Just block their numbers so they don't bother you again.

- Okay. - I got to go finish this damn homework.

You'll be okay.

- All right, bye. - Bye.

Is there something you want to tell us?

Marcus!

Well, it's obvious, isn't it?

What do you want to say, Marcus?

I think I'm gay.

You think?

No, we raised you in church.

No, I am gay, ma.

You do not know what you're talking about,

okay.

You shall not bring shame into this family.

I'm a Deacon at the church.

What will people say?

We're going to fix this.

Finally!

Please, come on...

Go away.

What?

Don't listen to them. They're idiots, all right?

You know, Marisa, it's easy for you to say this

because you've never been bullied.

Hey, I'm just trying to help here.

The entire school hates me.

We don't hate you.

You still got us.

Look... this...

It's nothing, this note. Forget about it.

Forget about it.

All right?

I'm missing homework from a few culprits.

Aisha. How come you didn't turn in your essay?

- What? - Woah!

Damn, Aisha!

That's a first.

Quiet please.

Miss, I'll do your homework as soon as possible.

Okay. I expect it tomorrow morning,

Jayden!

How come you didn't turn in your homework?

Had a game last night.

And guess what?

We won!

Okay! Congratulations, team captain. But...

Homework needs to be done.

Game or not, it is imperative.

Miss, why do you like using them big words?

What the hell, im, imper...

Imperative mean?

Anyone want to educate this young man?

Aisha.

It means it's of utmost importance.

Okay, okay.

- Use that in my rat. - Derek.

How come you didn't do your homework?

You know what?

The wildest thing happened.

The dog ate my homework.

Yeah, the dumb bitch ate it.

I get it.

You just don't care about school, right?

Look, the only reason I'm here is because my mom forces me to come.

Otherwise, school can kiss my black ass.

Oh, so you want to be a statistic?

Uh, what does that even mean?

Have you ever heard of school-to-prison pipeline?

Here it comes, y'all...

The speech.

Listen, I give you guys speeches because I care.

And if I didn't, I wouldn't even bother.

Believe me, it's a lot easier not to care.

But, I've seen this a thousand times.

A young black boy,

not interested in school...

Fails and then drops out.

A year later, he's in jail.

And you want to become a statistic?

Do you want to be a gangbanger or an educated black man?

Do you know what happens to gangbangers?

They end up dead.

Or if you're lucky, behind bars!

Listen, I'm here to teach

and do the best I can.

But if you're not willing to learn...

No one's going to help you.

But, if you want to learn...

No one can stop you.

Aisha.

Do you want to tell me what's going on?

You never miss an assignment.

Nothing, miss, I... I honestly just forgot.

All right, if you're struggling, you know you can come to me for help after school. Okay?

Thank you, miss.

My mom and dad found the flyer and asked me if I was gay.

And what happened?

My dad didn't say much.

My mom was in denial.

Like she didn't want to hear this shit.

She says she's taking me to church this Sunday

to fix this gay shit.

Seriously? Are you going to go?

Look, I don't even give a damn at this point.

Whatever she wants to do, she'll do.

You know how my mom is?

Look, you are who you are,

your mom and dad aren't gonna change that.

I wouldn't go if I were you.

I'm just so sick of this shit.

I can't wait to leave this town and move to Cali,

and become a famous artist.

- You're going to leave me? - Bitch, you coming with me.

Ma.

Hi, baby girl.

I thought you had a shift tonight.

Mmm-hmm.

I'm having one of those days.

Did you take your pills?

I tried calling and texting, your brother kevon.

I haven't seen him in a couple of days.

Ma, you always get like this with kevon.

Kevon's fine. You just have to take your pills.

Hmm.

All right, ma. I got to go study, okay.

Dear heavenly father,

we come to you today.

To remove the homosexuality from my son...

Satan, you have no place here.

We want you to flee now!

Satan, I tell you to go out into the abyss.

Go out into the abyss and stay there, Satan.

Ooh!

Oops.

I hope you feel good about getting us suspended, snitch.

I gotta get to class.

- Who gives a shit. - Guys, please?

- I'm sorry. - You know what happens to snitches?

They die a long, slow, painful death.

Why don't you just do yourself a favor and kill yourself?

Nobody wants you here anyway.

Guys, come on. She's not worth it.

Yo, Rudy, chill out.

Why? She's a snitch.

I said leave her alone.

What, are you her public defender or something?

I'm her friend.

Aww!

A knight in shining armor to the rescue.

Let's get out of here.

To be continued.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Hey, it's going to be okay.

I'm sure they won't bother you anymore.

I doubt it.

If they do, get me and I will show them the exit.

Thank you.

- See you around. - See ya.

I was really like this close to the fighting.

Marisa.

What do you want?

I'm not one of your hoes.

I want you back.

What the hell was that for?

Look, I messed up. Okay?

I love you.

I bet that's what you said to that skank ass bitch

you were kissing at the park the other day?

I told you, you're the only girl I've got eyes for.

This is forever. See?

No, he didn't.

You do that for me?

Yes.

And I wrote this for you.

"Long nights, lonely night.

"My heart longs for you.

"You're my Bentley in a room full of corollas.

"You are inviting like an island.

"Mysterious, exotic, cool and warm.

"You're like a water Lily,

"growing and thriving in polluted water."

"Like a Rose, cracking a concrete ground."

Guess what I'm trying to say is...

I love you, Marisa.

Baby, you wrote that for me?

I love you so much.

Try that shit again. And i'MMA have to kill you.

We good?

Marisa, that's the cheesiest poem I've ever heard in my life.

He ain't gonna change, Marisa, you know that?

Hey, mind your bis, okay?

Babe, don't listen to them.

Guys, I got this. Just trust me.

- Marisa, seriously? - You gotta be kidding me.

I'll catch you later.

He ain't gonna change. A ho is a ho.

You know, and I bet you that's a fake ass tattoo.

He's gonna break her heart for the millionth time.

Oh, my...

I got to go meet Mr. Picketts for my math sats.

You know, I can help you with that.

No, don't worry about it.

You got a lot on your plate.

I don't need you worrying about me.

All right.

Good luck with the sats.

I know you got this.

- I gotta run. - See you.

Hey, rat, where're you going?

Come here snitch.

Leave me alone.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

It's time to start the sat exam.

You ain't nothing but a snitch.

Do yourself a favor and kill yourself.

Nobody wants you here anyway.

Time's up.

Come collect your notebooks and you can get your cell phones.

This number has been disconnected.

You'll get another chance at the sat, bro.

Don't trip.

Ain't no second chances for girls in the hood, period.

Aisha, it's just the sat.

They're not a measure of your intelligence.

I guess you're right.

Where the hell is Marisa?

I tried calling her the other day

and it said phone disconnected.

I'm kind of worried about her.

Let me see.

Oh, you got you a secret admirer.

Who put this here.

Lance.

Good?

Mission accomplished.

Yo, get your camera out.

It's about to be Woodstock.

She's about to get faded.

My head feels light.

It's like I'm walking on air.

Yo, that shit happens to me whenever I don't sleep.

Oh, my god. Did you see that?

I think he just moved this lips.

Yo, you're acting real weird.

If I didn't know you, I'd say you smoke crack.

Hi, Aisha. What's up?

Don't worry. We don't bite. We ain't gonna hurt you.

So, how you feeling?

Okay.

You good? Like, irie?

Irie like...

♪ Every little thing is gonna be all right ♪

Yeah, I guess.

Well, see you in class.

Yeah. Enjoy your day.

- That was weird. - Mmm-hmm.

I know. They're up to something. I don't trust them.

Come on.

What compelled Samson.

Marcus.

Because he felt that if he didn't,

he may face prosecution.

That's correct.

- Aisha, what do you think? - Huh?

About what?

Samson. What would have happened had he...

Why are you talking so slow, miss?

I'm not talking slow. Are you paying attention?

Yeah, I am. What did you say?

Samson.

What would have happened had he not addressed the crowd?

I don't know, miss.

Did you read chapter three for homework?

You know what's funny?

I did read, but right now I can't remember anything I read.

I mean, nada.

Aisha, what's so funny?

Nothing. I just can't believe I forgot everything I read.

Are you okay?

I'm okay.

Are you okay?

I'm fine, miss.

Your eyes are red.

And your eyes...

Your pupils are so brown like fall leaves.

Like... like poop.

Like a beautiful poop.

I know it sounds gross,

but sometimes

I stare at my poop to see its shape.

Did you know you can find out how healthy you are

by the shape of your poop? It's amazing!

I've been "ordered" to go see the nurse.

You wanna tell me what's going on with you?

You've been acting all strange all morning.

You lovely poo bear, you.

You are so adorable.

Look at those cinnamon cheeks.

I swear, if you weren't gay,

I would totally do you.

What? Like, ewe! What is...

Oh, my god. You're high.

Me?

You feel lightheaded, right?

And what did you have to eat this morning?

Nothing. Just that brownie.

That brownie had something.

Do you think Lance just drugged me?

No, it wasn't Lance. A secret admirer wouldn't do that.

I'm pretty sure it was Rudy.

I'm so dumb.

Is that why they were asking me how I felt?

Is that where they were filming me and asked me if I felt irie? Oh, my god.

Yeah. You're not going to the nurse.

You'll get in trouble if they find out you're high.

They won't believe you had some random brownie from an anonymous person.

We're leaving school until you sober up.

Come on. Come on.

Drink this. All of it.

Okay. It says here that a cold shower helps.

I'm not taking a shower in your house.

Do you wanna sober up or not?

- Hey. - Great.

- Is this sparkling water? - Yes.

- To the bathroom. - Yes, sir.

And cold, just cold water.

It's so freaking cold in here.

Three minutes. I'm timing you.

Ugh! This is cruelty!

Ha. Man, I feel so much better now.

Thanks for coming to my rescue.

Yeah. You know what's so funny about this.

I got to see you high like shit.

Yo, that shit was funny as hell.

So embarrassing.

Listen, if we leave, we can make the last three lessons of school.

We're not going back to school.

We going to frugal's books for old time's sake.

Marcus, we'll get in trouble.

No, look, we're already in trouble.

- True. All right, let's go. - Right.

Can I help you?

Ma'am, I'm detective Thomas grey.

This detective Sam Marshall.

Does kevon Johnson live at this residence?

Yes, he does.

But I haven't seen him in a couple of days.

Can we come in and search your residence?

Search my house?

What did I do?

He was found with a pound of marijuana in his car.

He fled the scene.

That boy done gone mad.

Warrant, please.

Come on in, officers.

I see you're in a new shirt today.

I'm trying. Here...

- Thank you. - You know.

They don't have nothing new in here.

Yeah, I don't see nothing.

I already read all this.

I bet you have.

Oh. Look at my mom.

That's everybody's mom.

- We look alike. - Aw.

Jason Reynolds

or kwame Alexander?

That's a tough one. Uh...

I'MMA have to go with my man, Jason,

oh, my gosh, they have "homegoing."

I've been looking for this.

I know what I'm reading tonight.

Ooh! I just found a new sat word for you

and I bet you won't know this one.

Hmm! Try me.

- Poignant. - Deeply moving.

Gosh, you're such a nerd.

No wonder they all call you Wikipedia at school.

Okay, give me a word.

Okay. Um...

How about...

- Obscure? - Yea, I know this one. Um...

Difficult to understand. Partially hidden.

Good job.

All right. Let me give you another one.

All right.

Hmm.

Okay, drumroll...

The word of the day is...

Ossify.

I can't. My brain is exhausted.

You win, snitch.

All right, let's go.

What happened in here, ma?

Them cops came in here looking for kevon.

They said he was caught with a pound of weed.

He's such a loser.

I'm sorry, ma.

Where were you?

School.

Don't lie to me, Aisha.

Your teacher, miss Jones, called here looking for you.

- I... - So, where the hell were you?

I just had to go to frugal bookstore

to do some work and some research.

That's it. I only missed two classes.

You lying to me?

No.

Look...

See the date?

Make sure you call Ms. Jones tomorrow and explain to her.

I don't want any more phone calls.

I'm dealing with enough as it is,

with your brother, kevon.

Okay.

I can't even trust you with our shit.

Everybody is losing our shit.

We're down ten grand and shrimp is fucking furious.

Yo, we were careful.

I don't know how them cops caught us.

You were probably doing some dumb shit.

We were just driving, yo.

Just driving and cops magically appeared out of fucking nowhere?

All right.

I have a mission for you.

You got to handle the snitch bitch.

Fuck this up?

We're done.

All right, I got you.

Hi, Aisha. What's up?

Don't worry, we don't bite. We ain't gonna hurt you.

So, how you feeling?

Okay.

You good? Like, irie?

Okay, so total expenses, including the mortgage,

is $2,500.

I'll bring in 800 with my job,

and you'll bring in 1,500.

That's 2,300.

We're still short.

Okay, I cut my phone and you cut the cable.

What else can we cut?

Nothing else. We need food.

We need to pay the mortgage.

We need to pay utilities.

Mami, we're going to have to sell this house.

I just don't know how we'll manage.

You promised, we wouldn't sell.

The realtor told me a developer wants to buy the house.

We can use that money for a rental.

I guess, you're right.

Look, I still think you should submit the scores.

Your score is far from perfect,

but you shouldn't give up so easily.

I wanted 1,500 at least,

and I got 1,400.

Aisha, look at me.

The average score is 1,000.

You did better than most.

I would be happy with 1,400.

I aced all my practice tests.

No, you did your best.

And that's that.

Now, wipe that snot off your pretty face.

Thank you.

All right, let's go find Marisa.

Marisa?

Marissa.

Oh, hey, um, what are you guys doing here?

That skinny girl, your neighbor, told us you work here.

She talks too damn much.

Marissa!

- What? - What's going on?

I'm taking a break from school.

Why would you do that?

Please, don't look at me like that.

I know you're judging me.

- I'm sorry. - We're not judging you.

I'll just get my ged at night school, anyways.

Is there a problem here?

Um, no. These customers just had some questions about the menu.

I was helping them out.

I'll have a burger.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

No, we're good.

Jeez, what was that about?

He's just a jerk,

and y'all are gonna get me fired.

Look, I get off at 5:00.

I could meet you guys outside

if you're willing to wait that long,

but I really can't talk right now.

Okay.

- All right. - Let's go.

Come on.

No, you're not. Get your boy is home, mari?

It turns out Marissa decided to drop out of school.

And get a job to help her family keep their house.

- Sorry about the sats. - It sucks.

I don't know why I thought I could get a scholarship.

I mean, girls like me never get a chance.

Look, you shouldn't give up so easy.

Well, neither should you.

I'm not giving up, I'm just gonna get my ged.

A ged is not the same as a high school diploma.

I know, but sometimes one has to make choices.

And I choose to help my family.

You always told me you were going to be the first

to graduate high school and the first to go to college.

- So, what's up with that? - Well, shit happens sometimes, okay?

How about that?

Look, I make ten dollars an hour.

That makes a big difference.

I can help pay for shit my family needs.

- If you say so. - The sun always sets

then rises, so things will be better someday.

Tell me about it.

Yeah, what's up, lil' sis? Homies!

Where have you been?

Damn, no "hi, how are you? Miss you, bro?"

- I see. - Hi, how are you?

Where have you been?

Staying with some homies.

Ma's worried.

Look, give this to ma. Take care of yourself too, a'ight.

Where is this money coming from?

I be hustling, you know.

Kevon, you don't have to do this.

Look, Aisha, you don't understand.

You'll never understand.

Now, do you want this money, or not?

No. Ma won't accept it.

A'ight, I gotta go. Love you, lil' sis. Catch y'all.

- Love you, too. - The guy is a bum.

You okay?

Aisha?

So, I wrote an email to the board of the Conrad scholarship

in support of you.

Now, even though your sat scores were good,

they were a little weak compared to the other students

that are competing for the scholarship.

They didn't think you'd make it to the next round.

But, they want to give you an interview.

An int... what does that mean?

Well, that means that this interview is your lifeline.

So, the interview is scheduled for tomorrow,

and I know it's last minute,

but we have to go on their schedule.

It's going to be held in their office, downtown.

I've already informed your teachers,

that you won't be present tomorrow.

So, here is the address.

It's on the fourth floor, and go straight to the lobby.

You can't mess this one up this time, Aisha.

You can do it.

Aisha, look at me.

You've got this!

Just bring that black girl magic.

Hey Aisha, wait.

Where you headed?

Somewhere.

Look, we're sorry about the brownie thing.

So, you admit, it was you?

Yeah, we're sorry. It wasn't cool.

Whatever.

Look, we're even now.

You snitched on us. We jumped you.

You fought back hard.

We got you high.

Tell me it wasn't fun getting high.

My idea of fun isn't getting high,

especially in school.

You were wrong for that.

Look, we're sorry.

So, where're you headed?

- Downtown. - For what?

Well, for a very important interview.

Trip can drop you off.

Nah, I'm good. Thanks.

We're headed that way anyway.

It'll save you time and money.

You'll be there in ten minutes.

So, you want to come, or not?

This is the address.

A'ight.

Uh, actually, you can just pull over here.

I'm going to get off at the bus stop.

Girl, you're trippin'.

Please, guys, I don't want to be in the car with the smoke.

I don't want to go to my interview smelling of weed.

Please, guys, I have to go to this interview.

It's important.

Well, you should've shut your mouth up about Terrell.

Now, my boy's gonna teach you a lesson.

You know how much you cost us?

Six thousand dollars.

You got the six g's we lost to the police?

I made a mistake and I'm really sorry.

Tell that to Terrell who'll be in juvenile jail for a year.

Where're you guys taking me?

Please, I'm really sorry.

I swear, I'll pay back everything I owe you.

Just please, don't let me miss this interview.

Guys, please.

Please, guys. I'm really sorry.

Where are you... Where are you taking me?

Where're you guys taking me?

Tonya, no. Help! Tonya!

- Shut up! Shut up! - Somebody please, help me!

Shh! Quiet!

Shut up!

Please! Don't do this!

Shut up! Sit down!

- I won't say anything. I swear I won't say anything. - It's too late.

Help me! Somebody please, help me!

Quiet!

Help! Please!

I won't say anything. Listen to me.

Listen, I won't do anything, I swear.

Please, just let me out of here.

Please, just let me out of here.

Here, go get yourself some bling.

What's gonna happen to Aisha?

Don't worry about it.

- Yo, turn up! - Let's go!

Come on, Tonya.

- Sup, trip? - Chilling, bro.

This the snitch.

What?

Do it.

Do it!

Aisha?

Yo, what the fuck, trip?

She my little sis, yo.

This snitch is your little sis?

- You're kidding me, right? - Nah, man.

The fuck are you doing?

You crazy? I'm letting her go.

You ain't going anywhere.

No, don't. Please, don't.

You little shit.

Help! Somebody please, help us!

Get up!

Don't hurt him, please.

Don't make me use this on you, bruh.

- Fuck you. - Sit down. Fuck you.

Kevon, don't. Kevon, don't.

Don't say anything.

Calm down.

The three inch ones, 'cause I'm tall.

Yeah, I want bodysuits.

- Every color. - Every color?

Mmm-hmm.

Sorry, guys, I can't go.

Really? You can't go to the mall with us?

I'm good.

Yeah, whatever. You and your boring ass

just shouldn't hang out with us, anyway.

Forget about her.

No, no. Don't, please! Somebody please help!

Please, I have to get to this interview.

- It's important. - Who cares?

You done fucked up this time.

Fuck the interview!

Tonya.

I suspect something bad was going to happen.

I had to come.

Is he dead?

No, he's just unconscious.

You girls better go before the others get here.

I have to get to my interview.

What time is it?

It's 9:55.

- Where's your interview at? - Downtown, Boston.

Goddamn, a'ight. Let's go.

Are you okay? You're hurt.

Nah, I'm good. Let's go. Come on.

- Come on. - All right, come on.

Hi. I'm Aisha Johnson.

I'm here for an interview.

What the hell happened to your face?

It's a long story. Can I still interview?

You're too late.

They waited for you.

Please. This is my last chance.

Okay? Please.

I'm sorry, but there are others.

Ashley, can you please call.

Ms. Tiffany Johnson in, please?

- Yes, Mr. Adams. - Thank you.

Mr. Adams, I'm Aisha Johnson.

I'm terribly sorry, I'm late.

Miss Johnson, you're more than just late.

Basically, you're a no show.

And I'm really sorry about that.

But can I please still interview?

No, I'm really sorry,

but you've missed your chance.

Mmm-hmm.

Hold on, I'm gonna have to give you a call back.

They're interviewing the last candidate.

You're wasting your time.

I know I came in late, sir, but I was caught up

in some bad stuff beyond my control.

And I made it here despite the challenges.

Please, sir, I just need two minutes of your time.

That's it. Just two minutes.

All right. Two minutes. Only two minutes.

- Let's go. - Thank you, sir.

Ladies, this is Aisha Johnson,

our 10:00...

Well, was our 10:00 candidate.

I have decided to give her two minutes.

So we better get to it.

Why do you think you're the most qualified candidate

for the scholarship?

Even though I'm from an underperforming school

where the expectations for students are low,

I never let that stop me.

In fact, it's pushed me to be my very best.

Every year, I've been the top student,

and it's my dream to one day go to college.

A large percent of students

never make it to college from inner-city schools.

The price and student debt has made it a burden to families.

The cost of a year of college is more than what my mom makes.

The only way I see it possible for me to go to college

is through financial aid and scholarships,

which is why I'm applying for this scholarship.

I do hope that you'll consider me for this.

Final question, then.

What is the most challenging situation

you've ever been faced with,

and how did you overcome it?

This past month.

I have faced

tremendous challenges.

I was bullied by a group of girls

for reporting them for using drugs in school.

The bullies jumped me.

They cyber bullied me,

and I tried to ignore it, even though I was hurting.

They even drugged me without my consent.

And as I was on my way to this interview,

they kidnapped me.

Fortunately, I was rescued, and I showed up here.

I showed up because I know this scholarship could change my life.

Life is full of challenges and obstacles,

and it's how you choose to overcome them

that define one's character.

I could have gone home to lick my wounds.

I knew I was late,

but I showed up here to earn a seat at the table.

Thank you.

That's all the time we have, though.

You'll be hearing from us in a couple weeks.

Thank you.

I do wish you well.

Take care of yourself.

Aisha.

I can't believe you kept stuff like this from me.

Look how dangerous this turned out to be.

I just didn't want to snitch again.

I thought if I told, it would be, like,

double snitching.

Nonsense.

Double snitching.

There are kids out there killing themselves

because of bullying like this.

You do not have to suffer in silence.

Promise me, you will tell me everything next time.

They ruined everything for me.

They ruined my life my chance at the scholarship.

I should have never even applied

for that scholarship.

They're not gonna consider me.

Why wouldn't they consider you?

I went in there looking like a complete hood rat.

This aim-for-the-stars stuff is just for rich white girls, not girls like me.

I saw how the students looked applying for the scholarship

with their perfect dresses and shoes and blazers.

They probably have perfect sat scores and perfect lives.

Their parents are probably perfect.

Their brothers are perfect.

And who am I to compete with that?

I know I'm smart, but it doesn't mean a thing.

- Not in the hood. - Hmm.

Honey, it wasn't your fault you were late.

You went through a traumatic experience and you still showed up.

I embarrassed myself.

Aisha, you gotta believe.

Things may not have turned out the way you planned, but trust god.

He has the master plan.

You still have a great future, no matter what.

And, kevon,

you need to stop hanging out with those dangerous thugs.

I'm done with gangs, ma.

I tried.

Lord knows I tried

my best raising you.

If your dad were here, he would know exactly what to say.

But the lord decided otherwise and he took Trevor.

I tried my best to guide you.

But what you really needed was a father figure.

You need to get away from these gangs,

and make something of yourself.

I'll turn myself in to the police station.

I'm sorry.

Kidnapping charges are serious.

On top of kidnapping, you bullied and drugged this poor girl.

This expulsion cannot be reversed.

Your parents, they've already been contacted.

Tonya...

You're suspended for one week and we commend you

for coming to your senses and saving Aisha.

Thank you.

Trip and his gang members

were rounded up for multiple offenses.

I heard that Rudy and shakia

snitched on them to save themselves from going to juvie.

Now, I know, I ain't the only snitch in town.

Mom finally got kevon to turn himself in.

She bailed him out, and we're still waiting his trial.

In the meantime, he's taking online courses to get his ged.

Marisa made it back to school after her family decided

to sell their house to a developer.

Ms. Jones offered to tutor her after school to help her catch up.

- We're partying. - ♪ partying ♪

Good job getting rid of Rudy.

Yeah, she used to bully me in middle school

and take my lunch money.

Ohh! Not the lunch money.

- Look what you did. - Yeah, you did good.

We love you, man.

I'm glad the worst of it's over.

Yeah, that was really scary.

Well, look, we're survivors, and we'll survive no matter what.

- Mmm-hmm. - Right?

- Yeah. - Okay, let's go.

After going into Marcus's room to collect his laundry,

his mom found his diary and she decided to pry.

"Becoming Marcus,"

"five years old."

"The moment you realize that you did not belong,

"belong in that box.

"I mean, the exterior

"adorned with stickers that say,

"boys are rough and tough."

"Boys don't cry."

"A boy who likes other boys."

"But the box is closed shut."

"You are trapped,"

"wishing you could come out."

Thank you.

I love you, son.

I love you, ma.

- Hey. - Hi.

You wanna dance with me?

Yes.

I've waited for this moment for a long time.

I really like you.

I really like you, too.

After a couple of weeks of waiting for news about the scholarship,

I got a surprise.

I learned a lot during those couple of weeks.

I learned that when you get involved with the wrong people,

things can end badly.

I learned that sometimes, the choices we make

can be hard but necessary.

Also, I learned that girls like me

can reach for the stars.