Original subtitles

Where are you going?

I thought you said we could go

Shopping today?

I ain't say that.

You did.

Okay, maybe I did, But we can't go today.

Now go on in the house.

You going with him?

He's gonna give mama some Money so I can take you

Shopping.

That's why I got all dressed up today.

When will you be back?

I'll be back In a couple of days.

Take this, put it in the house.

[ car door opens, closes ] [ car starts ]

It's amazing how life can Form patterns that have a way

Of showing up in the behavior Of our offspring.

Erica moses was a beautiful Girl raised in washington, d.C.

Before I met erica, she had Dreams of one day being

An acclaimed ballerina.

But quickly found that The classical arts didn't

Always cater to girls like her.

She had used her mother's Attitude as a way of

Transforming herself.

"Use what you got to get what You need, erica."

Those were the echoes of her Mother.

And that was the start of her Metamorphosis.

Desperate to fit in, she traded Tights for miniskirts

And ballet slippers for Stilettos and --

Black skirt step forward.

Eventually a star was born.

She thought she scored big when She snared a hot, talented

Artist with plenty of money.

I'm trey.

Hi.

And you are?

Erica.

Well, it's nice To meet you, erica.

I look forward to working with You.

Me too.

In erica's mind, her mother Would have been so proud

Of her.

Erica became a leading lady in The world of music

And entertainment.

The lights flashed and cameras Rolled and the people never

Slept.

♪ likes to follow ♪ take a trip with me

All around the world ♪ ♪ and you can be

My super model ♪ What erica came to realize

Was that she was becoming A reflection of how she really

Felt on the inside -- Broken, discouraged and living

Out a revised dream full of Fantasy and disappointments.

Woman: ♪ get it, get it, Get it, get it ♪

♪ I'm gonna get what I want ♪ hey, I'm gonna

Get what I need ♪ ♪ hey, I'm gonna get

What I want ♪ ♪ hey, I'm gonna get it

Get it, get it, get it ♪ ♪ hey, I'm gonna

Get what I want ♪ ♪ hey, get it

I'm get it, get it, get it ♪ ♪ hey, I'm gonna

Get what I want ♪ ♪ hey, I'm gonna

Get it, get it, get it ♪ ♪ get what I want

♪ get the man I want ♪ get what I need

♪ get it ♪ get what I want

♪ get what I need Hi.

♪ get it ♪ get what I need

♪ get it ♪ get what I want

♪ get what I need ♪ get what I want

♪ get what I need... [ beep beep ]

I'm sorry, the card is Declined.

Okay.

Uh, try this one.

[ beep beep ] I'm sorry, that one is not

Working either.

Okay, can you try This one again please?

[ telephone rings ] Tyiese studio.

Uh, excuse me.

You need to sign in.

I'm trey's girlfriend.

I've heard that before.

You still need to sign in.

[ sighs ] ♪ wasn't romance with you

'cause we're just friends Trey.

Trey, I need to talk to you.

♪ dreams, dreams, dreams Trey!

I need to talk to you.

It's important.

Okay, my cards were declined Today.

[ chuckles ] That's what happens when you

Don't pay the bills.

You been drinkin' or something?

Have you?

Look, are we in trouble?

Oh, it's "We" now?

Hold on, dawg, I'll be right Back.

Come with me.

What's the point in coming Out here?

You couldn't say it in front of Everybody else?

I don't want everybody in my Business.

Whatever.

Come here!

So it's "We" now, huh?

It wasn't "We" when you spent up All my money.

You said I didn't have to work.

What can you do?

Huh?

I -- I can find something to do.

Well, go find it then.

Bye.

I got to go to work.

I wasn't through talking to You.

I'm done listening.

Excuse me, I need some money.

Cue the track, dawg.

Cue the track.

I need some money.

[ music playing ] I'm hungry, I need some money.

You know what?

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

I got this.

Here, just take this and go.

Thank you.

You know, I'm getting sick of This erica.

You ain't nothing but A gold digger anyway.

Trey.

Trey, I do care.

It's not about the money.

I promise, I'll do better, Please -- what do you want me to

Do?

I just need you out by Tomorrow.

But I have to tell you Something.

Erica, I'm done.

You're going to grow up to be A pretty girl and you can use

That pretty to get yourself A good man.

And make sure he's got money.

A man with no money ain't no man At all, remember that.

Hey.

Oh, what's up with you?

Uh, nothing much.

Uh, doing okay?

Not really.

I mean, you know me and trey Broke up.

[ sniffs ] Oh, I really just

Need to talk to him.

If I -- if I hear from him, I'll tell him to give you

A call.

If you need anything just -- Just call me, okay?

Shh.

[ baby crying quietly ] Shh.

Quiet now.

I'm trying as fast as I can.

Don't cry for mommy.

I'm trying.

I'm trying real hard.

I'm gonna find us somewhere to Sleep tonight, okay?

Oh.

We're over capacity, I'm sorry.

We have nowhere to sleep and we Have no more food.

Okay, I got -- I got some Money, you can have it.

Okay, it's not enough for A hotel.

Please.

I have a baby.

So do half the women in here.

I'm sorry.

You got to get Here early, sorry.

You looking for a place to Squat?

Come on, I know a place, It's a real clean place too.

Come on.

It's all right.

It's all right.

Come on.

Come on.

Excuse the place, I didn't get A chance to clean up.

Man: hey, hey, hey, hey!

That's my corner.

[ laughing ] I'm just kidding with you.

You're new around here, eh?

Charlie, leave her alone.

She's having hard times.

I'm gonna take care of her.

I'll even share my private Stash.

It's okay, he's harmless.

Charlie, get on out of here.

Listen, you and your baby is Going to be all right,

I promise.

You're going to be fine.

Just got one night, okay?

Hey, little girl.

You wouldn't happen To have any change, would you?

A couple of dollars?

Thank you.

It's for your rent.

[ chuckles ] Well, make yourself comfortable.

We're at home.

We are at home.

Hey, you got a crib.

Uh-huh.

[ baby cooing ] Go to sleep.

Go to sleep.

Go to sleep.

[ blowing puff of air ] I ain't never seen nobody

Sleep for two days straight.

Yesterday, I thought you were dead.

I put a glass on your nose and You fogged it up.

I left you alone.

You hungry?

I got big boxes.

Big boxes.

No?

That's fine, more for me.

What's your name?

You got legs like a dancer.

I used to be a dancer.

A backup dancer.

I took ballet and everything.

We got a dance group here.

Stacey over it.

But I guess you'll meet her one Day.

Yeah.

I heard they found you out by That old cotton mill.

What you was doing out there?

You homeless?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

You don't talk?

You slow?

That's all right, dancer, you Ain't got to talk to me.

I talk to you.

Just joan collins.

Take in homeless Girls and runaways.

She cool.

But she got a lot of rules.

She got the six-month rule.

But me, I been here for years.

On and off.

Off and on.

So listen, my friend joe, You know, who works for

The city, he found her And brought her in.

She's got a really bad burn And some cuts.

I bandaged her up, But she's still out of it.

Hmm.

And -- and you say there's Nobody missing fitting her

Description?

[ sighs ] Okay, all right.

Thank you, sweetie.

You have a blessed one too.

Okay, bye.

I'm gonna get My own place soon.

'cause look.

Look, I'm pregnant.

You can't really tell yet Though.

[ crying ] Hello?

Hello.

I'm glad to see you're awake.

I think she a retard or Something.

Tina!

Could I see you For a minute please?

I am not going to argue with you Today.

Now, you and I have been going Back and forth for a while

And we are on good terms now And I'd love to keep it that

Way.

I'm just asking you to keep An eye on this one, I think she

Needs it.

What about what I need?

You ain't give me a roommate When I came.

Who gonna look after me?

I just have some cereal And a dvd, "The color purple."

"You told harpo to beat me."

"You told harpo to beat me."

You didn't want a roommate.

You didn't want Anyone looking after you.

I forgot.

Excuse me?

I forgot.

Why don't you pay me?

And I'll watch her for you.

I'm not paying you.

I go above and beyond to help You, tina, and you know that.

Please.

Yeah, yeah.

I'm serious, tina, look out For her, all right?

My name is joan And this is my house.

A friend of mine found you a few Days ago and brought you here.

You understand what I'm saying?

I need for you to communicate in Some way.

Uh, do you write?

Oh, this isn't a prison.

I'm here to help you, but only If you want it and if you don't,

You are free to leave.

I need to know if you are On any medication or

Any substance -- any substance.

While you are here, There is absolutely

No drinking and no drugs.

Do you understand what I am -- [ coughs ]

[ sighs ] Good morning.

If you didn't want help, you Wouldn't have come back here.

Now quit pretending and let Someone help you.

I know you understand english.

Now I need to figure out why You're not speaking.

Have a seat.

I started this place seven years Ago.

I only take in women And children and I don't take

Everyone.

This is a six-month program.

You must stay here every night.

I lock my doors at 9:00 pm.

If you want to kill yourself, Go do that someplace else.

This is my house, my home, Not a shelter.

I'm not rich, do not ask me for Money.

If you stay here, You will get a job.

You don't have to pay rent and I Provide one meal a day.

I'm here to help you.

But only, and I mean only, If you want to help yourself.

Do you understand that?

So what good is god if he's Not around when you really need

Him?

That's my issue.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, well, um, robin, I Think part of the problem is

That we want god to just show up When we want him to show up.

And just fix everything.

Yeah.

Well, he might be fixing Everything and we don't even

Realize it.

You're serious?

Quite.

Hey, listen, god's timing is Not our timing, okay?

Period.

Hey, guys.

Oh, morgan.

Oh, my goodness.

Aww.

Baby.

Aww.

Oh, my goodness.

Erica: I want to hold him.

Was that erica?

Erica: I want to hold him.

I want to hold him.

She said something.

You let -- dancer.

Just -- just ask his mama if It's okay if you can hold him.

Let me hold him, please.

Oh, she talks now.

Okay?

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

It's okay.

Say hi.

Hello.

Here you go.

Just be careful, watch his head.

Okay.

That's okay.

I'm going to get her some water.

Okay.

[ crying ] You're -- you're hurting my

Baby.

Give me my baby.

No.

I want to hold him.

Joan!

What's going on in here?

I want -- Hey, hey, hey!

She has -- she has my baby.

Okay, okay.

Erica, give back the baby.

Give her back the baby.

My baby.

No, don't.

Stop it!

I want to hold him.

Right now.

[ sobbing ] [ chuckling ]

Hey, no.

No, no, no.

That's not funny.

What was that?

Huh?

I don't like surprises.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

It is way too late for you to Keep playing mute.

You start talking, And I mean right now.

I want my baby.

That is not your baby.

I want my baby.

I want mybaby.

[ crying ] I want my baby.

[ sighs ] So your boyfriend took

The baby and then -- And then just disappeared?

You called the police.

No, they don't listen to People like me.

Do you have any family?

No.

Mother?

Dead.

Father?

No.

And you haven't spoken to The baby's father at all?

No.

He was always threatening to Throw me out on the street.

And then he just Sold the house and left.

So I stayed in hotels Until my money ran out.

And then?

I was at shelters.

Are you an addict?

Do you have a drug problem?

I'm gonna ask you one more Time.

Are you an addict?

Do you have a drug problem?

I drink.

We didn't find any Identification.

Do you have I.D.?

It's in my bag.

What is your name?

Erica Renee

Moses.

I'm from washington, d.C.

All right, Well, that's a start.

Who are you calling?

My friend carrie, she's an Investigator and she can help.

Wait, why are you calling an Investigator, I don't want to do

That.

[ hangs up ] Because we have to file a

Missing person's report on your Baby.

But what if they think Like -- like I had

Something to do with it Because I didn't report it?

We'll cross that bridge when We come to it.

No, I don't want to do that.

We have to file A report on your baby.

Fine.

Go ahead.

[ dialing ] You fooled everybody.

Even old, old joan.

I knew you could talk.

Why you act all crazy when you Saw morgan's baby?

I miss my baby.

That's all.

Where is she?

Gone and I don't Want to talk about it.

All right.

You ain't gonna be able to Take care of that baby if you

Move out.

It's hard work.

Yeah, well...

See, me and jerome, we been Together for a minute.

He say he want us to be a Family.

He say he like my aura, It bring good energy.

I mean, I don't know what he be Talking about all the time,

But he into that kind of stuff.

But, I like it.

I like the way he look at me.

He make me feel pretty.

That's nice.

Yeah, we weren't that But we can do that.

Plus he say I deserve to love Somebody who going to make a

Difference in this world.

I ain't never think about it Like that.

Me neither.

I'm gonna do right this time.

Watch.

You know how to braid hair?

Can you braid mine?

You got nice hair.

Why don't you never fix it?

Why you Don't never fix yours?

Why do you do that?

Do what?

You jump like you getting an Electric shock.

Oh, is it noticeable.

Is that noticeable?

I mean, you asking me about My business.

I was a crack baby.

I mean, when your body Used to one drug,

They keep giving you more Until your body wean itself.

I'm sorry.

Ain't your fault.

And then when I turned six, they Start giving me different drugs

And that's when the ticks Started.

I've been having them ever Since.

They can't give you nothing For that?

I've been on all Kinds of different drugs.

When I was 13, I stopped taking Them drugs, I found my own.

I been in and out of this system For years.

When I was 20, I got my own Place.

That ain't last for long.

So I came here a few years back.

You finished high school?

Mnh, but I got my g.E.D.

Joan made me.

Said if I ain't finish class, She was going to kick me out

For good.

[ rings doorbell ] Who are you?

Trey.

Is erica moses here?

Who?

Erica, erica moses.

Brown skin.

Dancer!

Dancer.

What you say your name was Again?

Trey.

And what you do?

Hello?

What you do?

And why you here?

I'll take it from here.

How did you find me?

You called the studio from Here.

Get away from me.

No, tasha told me You had a baby.

Tasha told me you had a baby.

Tasha, don't know -- Where is my child?

You left me!

So you leave.

Look, erica -- That's enough!

Get in the house.

Sir, this is private property And you are trespassing.

Tell her I have a right to See my child.

You leave right now, I will knock you across my yard.

Child.

And don't come back again.

Get your tail in the house.

Erica, this ain't over with.

Erica will call you.

But if you ever come on my Property again to bother me,

Erica, or any of these women...

This ain't over, erica.

I want my child.

You got my child, I want him.

Where is your child?

Where is your child!?

She's dead.

[ sobbing ] Lala?

Lala?

What'd you do with my baby?

What'd you do with my baby?

Lala!

Where's my baby?

Where's my baby?!

Don't touch me.

[ sobbing ] Lala!

I'm telling you.

It's always something going down In this house.

Man, it's like a reality show in Here.

Hmm.

How you feeling?

Me?

I'm fine.

No, I mean.

Are you in a good place right Now?

I'm at joan's place.

I mean, I don't really know how Good this is.

T, you still taking all that Medication?

Look, I got these herbs, right?

And I been doing some research And I really think this is gonna

Help you with your nervousness.

You trying to change me.

No, no -- I thought you said you liked

Me for me.

[ sighs ] Babe, I love you for you.

But you shouldn't be on all that Medication while you pregnant.

Fine.

I stopped drinking too.

I'm joking.

[ laughs ] Look, babe, I really want us

To be a family.

But I need you to trust me.

Okay, jerome.

Then you need to start by Eating better.

You can't eat cereal all day Long.

We going to the farmer's market.

I mean, you need to eat Some fruit.

Matter of fact, Where's your list?

There you go.

Okay, that's what I'm talking About.

Made it this morning.

So we got apple loops.

Apple loops.

Banana nut raisin.

Mm-hmm.

And grape-os.

[ squeals ] Grape-os.

You know you want to laugh.

No, I don't.

[ laughs ] Come on, now.

Wait, wait, wait.

Are raisins fruit?

Yes.

Good.

Let's put raisin crunch on there Too.

[ sighs ] [ laughs ]

Come on.

Wait, wait, wait.

Got to get our cereal.

[ chuckles ] I really wish you hadn't lied

The first time.

I know.

I'm sorry.

It only makes it worse.

What do you think you can do?

I have to talk it over with The d.A. And maybe they can

Reduce the charges to Negligence.

I can't promise you anything.

Do the best I can.

Thank you.

Excuse us, erica.

Joan, why do you keep doing this To yourself?

Doing what, carrie?

Stressing over these girls?

You need to get out and get Yourself a life.

You know this is my life.

Look, I told you before that What you're doing here is

Amazing, but you need to get Some help.

You cannot save the world, joan.

Okay, you're right, You're right.

But maybe, maybe I can save one Life.

Maybe two.

Maybe even three.

[ laughs ] My friend joan.

Tell you, girl, there's a Special seat in heaven just for

You.

Well, it's right next to Yours.

Whatever.

I'll get back to you on her Court date.

Thanks, carrie.

All right.

Love you.

You live here too?

I live across the street.

I come here after school because My mom works at night and

Miss joan didn't really like the Idea of me being home by myself.

Oh.

I'm erica.

I'm khloe.

Who told to read my bible?

I'm not reading it.

Hey, khloe.

Just looking for this Scripture I'm supposed to read

In the next group session.

Fae is serious about this stuff.

I don't see what the big deal Is.

I heard what happened to you.

Mm-hmm.

You only got probation, You lucky.

Yeah.

Joan knew some people.

But look, I still got charged With negligence.

But you ain't locked up.

Joan like you.

No.

She like you.

No.

I'm just part of joan's mission.

You know her mission To save the world.

You actually read this stuff?

Yeah, I read that.

They got some Good stories in here.

I read it at night.

It make me feel better.

Let me show you my favorite one.

Luke15.

What's this about?

Forgiveness.

Read it.

There you are.

Joan say you going to work with Fae tomorrow.

Where we working?

Over at that law firm.

What we doing with A law firm?

[ chuckles ] You going to be cleaning it.

[ chuckles ] She's such a popsicle stick.

Fae: hey, how's it going?

Erica: I'm not used to doing This much cleaning.

Believe me, honey, you'll get

Used to it.

It's a blessing just to have a Job.

Why are you always so Optimistic?

Listen, if you had the life That I've had,

You'd be optimistic too.

You don't even look like you Supposed to be hanging around

Joan's house.

Yeah, well, me and joan go Way back.

She took me in...

Just after I did ten years in Prison.

Ten ye-- for what?

Killed my husband.

Why?

Didn't like the shirt He was wearing that night.

I'm sorry.

I'm -- I'm being way too nosy.

No, no, no, don't even worry About it.

It's okay.

Um, I married young.

You know?

Turns out my high school Sweetheart wasn't exactly as

Sweet as I thought he was.

We used to fight a lot.

One night things just kind of Got out of control.

Stuff start flying through the House.

And he broke my arm.

And I don't know, I just...

I snapped.

I stabbed him.

At first, I was just trying To get away, I wasn't...

But then it started feeling Good.

And I wasn't thinking, I wasn't Trying to kill him, I wasn't --

I didn't want to murder him, I just wanted him -- I wanted

Him to be in pain.

I wanted him to know what it Felt like.

And, you know, Six stabs later he, um..

Well, you know the rest.

Listen, if you wipe a circular Motion, you won't leave streaks.

Okay?

♪ life can be cruel When you're trying

To make it, yeah ♪ ♪ and though you paid your dues,

You just keep on taking ♪ ♪ but you won't lose

If you hold on to ♪ ♪ every bit of your dreams

No matter how hard it seems ♪ ♪ you're going to make it,

Yes you are ♪ ♪ make it,

You're gonna ♪ Thank you.

Shake that.

Make it.

Got to get it right.

Got to get it right.

Okay.

I'm here.

How y'all going to start Without me?

Tina, we already told you You can't be a part of this.

Why not?

I'm a dancer.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Step up.

What -- Why don't you do the music?

'cause I'm a dancer, Not a dj.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Step up, step back.

I think you need to help Stacey out.

I hear you over there talking About me.

Five, six, seven, eight.

I mean, you should give them A formation first.

Does anybody have any formal Training?

Five, six, seven, eight.

Step up, step back.

Roll with kick.

Five, six -- come on.

[ whistling ] Excuse me.

Erica, right?

Been checking you out around Here.

You don't really hang with too Many people, huh?

Is that because you don't want To be bothered or just quiet?

Both.

Oh.

Well, if I was to ask you out, What would you say?

Maybe do lunch?

I don't think so.

Well, you go ahead and think About it.

I'll see you around.

Erica.

Mm-hmm.

Hey.

I got paid today.

[ chuckles ] Congratulations.

And she gave me cash.

That's my money.

I know that.

I keep it for you.

It's part of the program, erica.

All right?

It teaches all of you girls how To save and budget.

Here's some for you.

I want my money.

Hmm, you don't scare me, Erica.

Now take the $40 Before I take that back.

You know if my mama hadn't Been so crazy, my life would

Have been real different.

Hmm, so you blame your mom For the way your life has turned

Out.

Yes!

Maybe not for everything.

But I ain't never had it easy.

Those of us with the hardest Struggles have the biggest

Purpose.

Hey, maybe it's time for you to Start walking into your destiny

And stop using excuses.

What's my destiny?

What does that even mean?

Your purpose.

What's my purpose?

[ laughs ] And that, my dear girl,

Is the million dollar question.

[ knocking ] [ whispering ]

Dancer.

Dancer.

What are you doing on the Roof?

You are pregnant.

Why didn't you just go through The front door?

Because I don't want joan to See me.

Why aren't you At jerome's house?

I been from over there.

Him and his incense been getting On my nerves.

Okay, well, just come inside The --

No!

Not right now.

Not 'til joan accepts me.

Just come inside.

Stop it.

I'm not coming in right now.

Are you hungry?

You're -- Stay right here.

I'll be right back.

Okay.

Look, here.

This bag has got food, food Stamps, a towel and some money.

Um, yeah, let me wipe.

Wait, wait.

I got you something.

You like?

I think it's your size, You like it?

Where did you get this?

Guy gave it to me.

Okay, he didn't really give it To me, but he spoke to me.

And he said you Should have it, so I got it.

You -- you not high, right?

No, no.

I'm not taking nothing.

Not even my medication.

It's why I keep twitching.

I don't want these drugs to get Into my baby.

Okay, you need to take them.

Well, who says?

I'm not going to take anything.

I want my baby to have a clean Start.

Sit down.

Look, I'm -- I'm worried About you.

Don't worry about me.

Don't waste your worry on me.

I'm good.

Here, take this.

No, I ain't got nowhere to Put that, it's too heavy.

Just take the book.

And the read the one about the Rich boy,

Who had got all the money and Ran off, lost it all and the

Thing about -- Something about the pigs.

The one you read all the time.

[ giggles ] Look at you trying to save me.

[ laughs ] Dancer.

Look, promise me you'll call Me if you need me.

Scout's honor.

[ laughs ] I promise.

You take care of that baby.

Fae: hey, all right, girl.

Hey, what's up, erica?

Hi, uh, charles.

Hey, how are you doing?

I'm good, how are you?

I'm great.

What you doing after work?

Maybe me and you could go grab Something to eat.

I can't.

You don't have no boyfriend, So why not?

I just got to get home, That's all.

Well, maybe I can escort you Home.

[ laughs ] Okay, I'll, um, talk to you

Later.

Bye.

Bye.

Fae: boyfriend.

Hush.

[ sighs ] It's real nice out here.

Right?

Um, let's pray.

Amen.

It's nice to see you outside Of the office though.

Yeah.

I've been doing security for Four years.

Now I'm getting ready to study For the police academy exam.

Ain't you a little too old to Be starting a new career?

Hold up, who you calling old?

Please, girl, I'm in my prime.

No, I probably was a Knucklehead back in my time,

But I'm just making up for lost Times, that's all.

But you always wanted to be a Policeman?

That and a photographer.

That's different.

Good different, but different.

Right.

Maybe we should do a photo Shoot.

Hmm, I don't know.

I -- I'm not that photogenic.

Erica, do you listen to the Words that come out of your

Mouth?

Like why would you say that About yourself?

[ chuckles ] Wow.

This is one of the reasons why I Hate coming to the park.

I mean, look at this, it doesn't Make sense.

Like why -- You know, it's not that

Simple for everyone, charles.

Whenever I have to give it, I do.

Okay, but you don't Understand --

No, let's just Not talk about it, okay?

Wow.

So do you go out with all the Girls in the office?

No, why?

I'm just wondering why you Wanted to go out with me.

Look, are you serious, erica?

You remind me of the women that Raised me.

If it wasn't for my mom and my Aunty, I don't know where I'd

Be right now in my life.

Baby girl, where you been?

I ain't seen you around.

Sir, I don't mean to be rude, But could you please not bother

Us right now.

I -- I know her.

I ain't gonna do nothing but Speak.

Listen, she doesn't know you.

I know you.

She doesn't know you, just -- Stop, stop!

Don't push him like that, okay?

Man.

Are you okay?

I'm doing what I can.

Your baby.

I'm so sorry.

So sorry.

I ain't never Going to forget that.

Look...

[ inaudible dialogue ] Thank you, dear.

God bless.

So you know him?

I come to the park a lot.

Look, I got to go.

Bye.

Hey, erica, come on now.

Let me at least take you home or Something.

Erica!

[ footsteps pounding ] Who is marching up my steps

Like that don't have any sense?

What's the matter with you?

Nothing.

Nothing.

You need me?

Yes, actually.

Hang on, I got something for you.

So you have officially been Here --

Okay, so, joan, this guy at Work has been asking me out.

Well, we've been going out to Lunches and he seems okay,

You know, a little judging, But everybody is, right?

Well, I mean -- Right, so we were eating

Lunch in the park and I saw this Guy I know.

He's homeless.

He's not -- He looks really bad,

But he's not a bad guy.

And then charles nearly tries to Assault him because he was

Trying to keep him away -- You know what?

I don't even Want to talk about it.

Okay, so -- But that's exactly why I

Don't like to get close to People because if he knew who I

Really was, he wouldn't really Like me.

Well, you can't run from your Past.

You know that.

But I'm not proud of it.

I know.

I know.

But that's why you got to keep Working, keep working to make

Sure that you have a future that You are proud of.

You say that like it's so Simple.

[ chuckles ] Well, the decision --

That is simple.

Ooh, but that effort, that's a Whole different story.

You know.

I'm done.

I don't want to talk about it Anymore.

[ chuckles ] Okay.

So you have officially been here For three months and this

Is one of the biggest rewards.

We will go to the bank and open A bank account for you.

But!

I still will be monitoring and Helping out with your funds and

Your finances so no, no, no Shopping sprees and no trips to

Kabul or girls night out to Scotland.

Well, can I at least get my Hair done?

Oh.

Want to look all cutey cute now?

[ laughs ] I know how much is in there.

Thank you.

And five, six, seven, eight.

Okay, we have two more Rehearsals, we need to get this

Together.

We are not a professional Group.

It's hard.

But we're going to look like One.

What we need is Somebody to sing this live.

That'd be cool.

Hello?

I know somebody.

You know somebody?

Mm-hmm.

Okay then.

But, in the meantime, back To formation, please.

Hey, erica.

Hey, charles.

Look, I'm here on my break so Wait up.

I got to clock in.

Just wait up, just wait up.

All right, look, look, look.

I really like hanging out with You, I'm really digging your new

Style.

So what's up with this weekend?

No.

Well, I thought we was having Fun?

Look, there's a lot going on Right now, it's just bad timing.

Well, but you don't -- You don't --

Charles, you don't even Know me.

Won't you give me the Opportunity to get to know you?

You -- you got some issues.

I got issues?

Hold up, hold up.

Look, all I do is give you Nothing but respect.

If you would stop Interrupting me.

It's stuff going on that you Can't even begin to understand.

Why don't you talk to me, Okay?

You at least owe me that.

I don't owe you anything.

Erica.

All I'm saying is I'm digging you.

That's all I'm saying is I'm Digging you, baby.

Look who's happy.

I don't even really Know what that feels like.

But I do know for the first time In a long time,

I don't feel like crying.

What's this one?

I'm planting this for lala.

It's a memorial.

You okay with that?

Whoo.

Why are you doing this?

Because in order to move Forward, you have to have peace.

And in order to have peace, You have to accept the past.

Thanks.

Now, don't thank me.

Thank your pal tina.

This was her idea.

What?

Why am I being fired?

They do a security camera Check just to make sure

Everything is as it should be in The office and we caught you

Taking a bottle of champagne From one of the executives.

It was -- it was reported to me And I have --

I have to let you go.

It wasn't me.

They have you on camera.

But it was a different me.

I'm not that person anymore.

Look, dock my pay or -- Just don't fire me.

I need this job.

I'm sorry.

[ clink ]

Okay.

Okay, I know that this is my Fault, but you have to --

After this...

Please listen, I messed up, But I'm not the same person I

Was when I moved in this house.

But I need to take it -- Okay, this is what

I'm going to do.

I'm gonna thank her And then I'm

Gonna tell her I messed up.

What are you doing?

Finding out the truth.

You told me that you were done!

I -- I have.

At least, I'm trying to.

Joan, please believe me.

Believe you?

Erica, clearly you are still Drinking?

You don't think I want to Stop?

At least I can admit that I need Help.

You know the rules.

I know you're not kicking me Out.

If I let you stay, what is The point of making rules?

Forget the rules!

How many more chances am I Supposed to give you?

People make mistakes.

We should be allowed to be Forgiven.

If you take us in, then you need To deal with our imperfections.

You need To leave by tomorrow.

No!

Phew.

That's all you have?

For now.

I don't have anywhere To keep my stuff

So I left some in stacey's room.

Please don't kick me out, joan.

I'm not ready.

I can't help you here.

I've done all that I can.

You give them a call, att-- Attend the meetings, second

Number is a rooming house.

You can stay there for a while.

I'm not drinking anymore.

Please, just give me another Chance.

You let tina come back And forth.

I'm sorry, I can't.

You have your job And you'll be fine.

But I don't even have -- Goodbye.

I have three more months.

I have three more months!

[ breathing heavily ] Woman: ♪ I'll lift mine eyes

Unto the hills From whence cometh

My help ♪ ♪ I'll lift mine eyes

Unto the hills From whence cometh

My help ♪ ♪ I'll lift mine eyes

Unto the hills From whence cometh

My help ♪ Lord...

I don't...

I don't know what to say.

[ crying ] [ buzzing ]

Hello?

Hey, erica, you didn't come To rehearsal last night.

The show is tonight.

I know.

We can't do it without you.

Joan even asked where you were.

I don't live in the house no More.

But you're still one of us.

The show starts at 6:00.

[ sighs ] Hello, everyone.

My name is sunshine.

[ crying ] Everybody loves sunshine.

If you'd told me a few weeks ago That I would be here in this

Theater doing a performance, I wouldn't have believed you.

I'm homeless.

I sleep down near the shelter That receives money from this

Foundation that's putting this Event on.

So I really want to thank each And every one of you for coming

Out here.

I especially want to thank my Friend erica,

Friend erica, Who asked me to give the gift of

Song.

I love to sing.

I love singing.

That's how I survive.

And through my music I'm able to Uplift others.

And I know my purpose.

I thank god for everything I Have and I don't have much,

But I know he's present right Now because I'm standing here.

My name is sunshine.

I don't want y'all to forget That.

Me and the ladies, The joan's house, we gonna try

To do something for you Called "Starting today."

♪ I feel the weight ♪ the pressure

♪ I feel the hate Now closing in ♪

♪ got to be smart ♪ smart

♪ and stronger ♪ I know in my heart

I'm gonna win ♪ ♪ sometimes it hurts

♪ hurts won't last ♪ sometimes it rains

♪ storms will pass ♪ when it gets hard

♪ as it may ♪ these are the words

That I'll say ♪ ♪ starting today

Nothing gets in my way ♪ ♪ nothing, nothing

♪ right now I choose ♪ right now I choose

Never to lose ♪ ♪ I'm gonna be okay

♪ starting today ♪ today

♪ today ♪ today

♪ starting today ♪ whoo-ooh

♪ it's getting bright ♪ the future

I see the light ♪ ♪ shining free

♪ I feel a change ♪ change

♪ I rearrange ♪ priorities

♪ sometimes it hurts ♪ hurt won't last

♪ and sometimes ♪ storms will pass

♪ and when it gets hard ♪ as it may

♪ these are the words That I'll say ♪

♪ starting today Nothing gets in my way ♪

♪ nothing gets in my way ♪ right now I choose

♪ right now I choose Never to lose ♪

♪ I'm gonna be okay ♪ okay

♪ today ♪ toda-a-ay

♪ today ♪ today

♪ to-ooh-day ♪ today

♪ starting today [ cheers and applause ]

[ dance band playing ] [ phone buzzing ]

[ music stops ] Tina.

No, it's jerome.

Tina went into labor and she Won't go to the hospital.

We're here at The apartment right now.

I'm not that far away, I'm on my way.

Joan, tina just went into labor, But she won't go to the

Hospital.

Yeah.

They're at their apartment.

150 walker street.

Come on, tina.

Come on, tina.

Come on, tina.

Please.

Please, please.

You hang in there.

[ screaming ] Did you call 911?

Then why they not here yet?

Dancer!

Hey, hey, shh, shh.

Don't talk.

Okay, the paramedics are coming, Okay?

I'm not going to the Hospital.

You have to go.

[ groans ] Hey, the paramedics are

Coming.

You have to go.

We're not going To argue about this, okay?

Tina: please, can you pray?

I don't know any prayers.

[ crying ] Um, god, god, please take

Care of my friend.

[ groans ] She needs it right now.

She's in bad shape.

I just need for you to look After her.

I'm erica moses, by the way, And, um, I know that you make

Miracles.

And all we have to do is ask for It and have faith.

Keep going, baby.

And that baby needs its mama, So we're going through this.

Erica: I don't want to -- I don't want to seem too

Selfish, but this is my friend And I just really need for her

To be okay and the baby to be Okay.

Okay?

Please don't -- oh.

Fight, tina.

[ sirens ] She's on

Her way to the hospital.

What's wrong?

Let's go, joan.

Why isn't the car moving?

I need a minute.

She came to see me a couple Of weeks ago, I knew I should

Have told you, I knew she was in Trouble.

I knew too.

How?

A mother knows.

So I just wanted to gather Everyone here today to see if --

Everyone here today to see if -- If anybody wanted

To talk about how they felt.

Y'all know tina got on my Nerves, I'm just --

You know, I'm gonna miss her.

I'm gonna miss her.

I know, I know.

Erica: you should stop Beating yourself up.

You have helped so many people.

Couldn't help The one I did it for.

She's your sacrificial lamb.

It's a person that You love the most...

Who will sacrifice so that you Could help hundreds of others.

You got to give your testimony.

We all have Our crosses to bear, erica.

This is how it is.

But will you carry the weight Or will you give it over to god?

That's your Million dollar question.

Fae: anybody else want To talk about tina?

Two days before I -- Turned 19, I gave birth to tina.

I had already been on drugs for At least four years by then.

When I first got pregnant, I Tried to stop and,

Um, two months in, my body Started going through

Withdrawals and I gave in.

I gave in to the -- To the cravings.

Her father was, um -- He was a musician.

Right after tina was born, I went on the road with him.

And, "Oh, just a few weeks" Turned into months and then a

Year and then a couple of years And then seven years and then --

Then tina was 10.

She wanted to live with me And I decided I was going to get

Clean and I worked so -- So hard.

I knew it was -- it was too Late -- it was too late.

She didn't stay to see my hard Work.

She left.

And -- I created joan's house.

To try to right some of the Wrongs that I -- that I had

Done.

I've -- I've done some good Things, but they've -- they've

Been out of guilt.

They've been out of guilt, they Haven't been from love and I

Need to do things out of love.

I have to ask god to forgive me.

I have to forgive...

I have to forgive myself.

Aren't you a sight for sore Eyes!

How are you?

I'm fine.

I've called you.

I know.

Several times.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Look, you cool and Everything, erica,

But I don't think I can do this.

Look, I came to apologize and To ask that you just

Bear with me.

I've tried to bear with you And to be honest, I'm just not

Fit for this arguing stuff.

I just think it's Better if we be friends.

Well, here.

I hope you can make it.

[ sniffing ] So, it was my abuse of alcohol

That ultimately led to the death Of my child.

[ crying ] And I wanted to die.

For real, I wanted to leave this Place.

Because I knew that god couldn't Forgive a bad person.

A bad mother.

But I'm not a bad person.

I'm just A person with a problem.

My everyday struggle is just Trying to keep sober.

But a good friend once said, "Happiness is having

The courage to endure."

So I am an alcoholic...

And my name is erica moses.

Fae: what about mima?

Joan: mima, no no.

There's the princess.

Hi, honey pie.

Yes.

We were just thinking about What you should call me.

The doctor says she's as Healthy as can be.

Well, of course she is.

Oh, you need to be changed Now, don't you?

Don't you?

Don't you?

Don't you?

Grandma.

She knows her special friend.

[ laughing ] Let's get changed.

Come on, daddy.

We'll be right back.

Okay.

Okay.

That's a sweet baby.

You've come a long way.

Still a ways to go.

Well, that's Why it's called a journey.

[ sighs ] What is that grin about?

[ chuckles ] I have a date tonight.

You -- Okay.

[ chuckling ] Talk to you about this date.

Um, he doesn't have a lot of Money, he barely has a car,

But he's nice.

Nice wasn't even a quality I used to look for in a man.

I don't hear any glasses, Any forks or any of that stuff.

Just be patient, okay?

Just be patient.

You know I got to trust you, I let you blindfold me.

And you can trust me, okay?

Trust me.

These are really good.

I have you to thank for that.

I think we Should give them titles.

What do you Want to call this one?

"Stepping into destiny."

I like that.

"Take control."

"Thinking of lala."

And this one?

"I surrender."

Why?

Erica, I waited all my life To have my own exhibit.

And I waited all my life To meet someone like you.

To me that's The best of both worlds.

It certainly is.

Joan: I opened my home to Create a sanctuary for women

Trying to get back on their Feet.

In the process, I was blessed To help a beautiful woman,

A bright star.

She taught me that our journeys Will forever be full of twists

And turns and sacrifices,

But in the end, life will never

Offer a cross

Too heavy to bear.