Original subtitles

A STUDENT'S OBSESSION

Subrip: Pix

Nicole, we're going to be late! Let's move it!

Are you sure you're going to be okay this weekend?

I don't want to come home to find the house burned down.

I like our house.

Michael?

Yeah, we have a beautiful home, honey.

This weekend. Right.

Gone all weekend.

-Kids. I remember. -Clearly.

Nicole, breakfast.

I can't eat that. I'm juicing.

Since when?

It's all over my blog.

Michael?

Honey, we're gonna be fine, all right?

I got to run, I got a meeting.

It looks wonderful, all right? I'll see you tonight.

It looks amazing.

How's everything at school?

Nicole, how's school?

Fine.

You know, if you ever want to talk to me about anything,

you know, boys, your inheritance,

the car I'm gonna buy you,

I'm here.

I miss our conversations.

We use to talk about everything...

As we deepen our understanding of ecology

and how organisms relate to one another,

we can see a wide range of examples by examining symbiosis.

From the Greek "sym" meaning "together"

and "bios" meaning "life,"

symbiosis is yet another example how organisms do what?

Anyone?

It's literally in the word. Pretty much just said it.

Live together?

Sorry to interrupt.

I'm new.

Welcome. I'm Mrs. Archer.

James.

Take a seat.

So, as James just said, "symbiosis" means "living together."

There are several examples of symbiosis,

all of which you can see if you join me and Mr. Berg

on the field trip to the Florida Keys this weekend.

Can anyone tell me another mechanism by which species

interact that does not involve symbiosis?

Here's a hint.

James.

Predation.

That's when a predator kills its prey.

I'm glad to see your previous school

was thorough in its scientific education.

I had a good teacher.

Okay, everyone. Don't forget the bus leaves at 8:00 a.m.

Don't be late.

-James, do you have a minute? -Sure.

I'm pretty sure you're settling in,

so don't worry about the field trip, not mandatory.

A weekend full of gators and venomous snakes?

How could I miss it?

I... So terribly sorry!

It's okay. It's okay.

Today has been rather crazy, preparing for the trip.

Are they mine? Or are they yours? Okay.

I just don't know how we're going to corral all these kids.

It's going to be fun, Richard.

Well, listen. Can I pick you up?

No, I have a very precise morning routine

and road rage is a crucial step.

Sure. I'll meet you here then.

I got to get these copied.

Yes, I'll... have to rush off, too.

I'll see you in the morning!

You guys are crazy, running around in the middle of the wild

with all those kids.

You're lucky that none of them has gotten bitten

by a gator or something.

Don't worry. We have liability waivers.

You're funny.

Actually, I've just had a student transfer in today who wants to go.

Could you do me a favor and send a waiver to his next class?

Can do. What's his name?

James Dearden.

Yeah, new kid.

I gave him his schedule this morning.

Nice kid?

Yeah, he actually engaged in my class,

which was a rare treat.

Yeah?

Or does he have a crush on you

and he was just trying to impress you?

Don't be ridiculous.

Come on!

Now, I don't know what your workaholic husband has fed you,

but, girl, you're still hot.

Well, Michael's been so wrapped up in his work lately,

sometimes it's like...

It's like I'm not even there, you know?

Well, have you tried spicing it up a little bit?

Whenever my man gets all crazy and wrapped up in things,

I put on my thongs on and then I do the dance.

I do the dance. You know the dance?

-Come on, do the dance. -I'm not doing the dance.

Anyway, you're still hot, girl. You just got to remind him that you're hot.

Wait, wait, wait. I got a presentation.

I have to work on this presentation, I really do.

It can wait.

It can't wait.

Honey, it can't wait.

Honey, seriously.

I can't do this, not now.

Honey, no, no, no.

My God.

Seriously, seriously. Hey, okay. No, no, no.

I have to get this done before morning.

I will make it up to you, all right?

We'll pick this up tomorrow night.

Okay? Tomorrow night.

I'll be gone tomorrow night.

Right. Doesn't work... Sunday?

-Yeah. Sunday, sure. -Sunday.

Steph, Sunday.

So, in addition to complex animal relationships,

the Keys are home to a wide variety of plant life.

Each has their own methods for surviving

in such a rich environment.

Take this flower, for example.

This is a Datura. It's pretty, isn't it?

It has a pleasant scent,

even has some medicinal properties,

such as an aphrodisiac.

But that's not how it's able to thrive here.

Any guesses as to how it survives?

-Because it can kill us? -That's right.

This flower has high levels of tropane alkaloids,

which means even a small amount can cause fevers,

convulsions, hallucinations, it can even put you in a coma.

So do not go getting any ideas about steeping a leaf

to brew a magic tea.

A hair too much, you'll be sleeping with the crocodiles.

That's why the common name for this plant is

The Devil's Trumpet.

Moving on.

Now, you may be wondering,

why are they called the Everglades?

Well, all this grass that we see around us is called saw grass.

Now, I know that some of you are hoping

for a close encounter with an alligator.

Native American Indians...

Is there any way for you to teach the entire time we're here?

Mr. Berg just happens to be a very knowledgable biologist.

The only example of this type of topography in the world.

Okay, he is a bit boring.

It's funny, I grew up in Florida

and this is the first time I've been here.

Really? Where's home?

Redland.

That's a bit of a drive to school.

I've tried a few schools closer,

but I haven't found my place yet.

Well, hopefully you'll find it here.

Hi, this is the Archers.

Please leave your message.

Hi guys, it's me.

Just checking in.

I miss you guys.

Love you.

Bye.

Hi. I'm going to start rounding up the kids... for dinner.

Great.

I'll meet you downstairs?

Yes. Yes, thank you.

I wish they'd turn the music down.

I'm going deaf.

What sort of music do you like?

I don't know. Everything.

How about you?

Classic.

Beatles, Stones?

No, no. Mozart, Beethoven.

Real classic.

Yes. It's getting a bit late.

-Maybe we should head out. -They're having fun.

This is a teaching trip, you know.

They can have fun some other day.

-No, no, no. I'm okay. -Yeah, come on.

Okay. Do you want to come?

No.

Hello?

Hey, it's me.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, it's all good. Just saying hi.

How's the wilderness?

Everyone's in one piece so far.

Good. Look, Steph, about the other night...

Michael, it's fine.

No, it's not.

I know that I've been distracted lately. I just...

I wanted to say that I'm sorry.

I know.

I'll be home tomorrow, you can make it up to me.

Yeah, well... I want to.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Hello?

Hey! It's okay! It's me!

Are you okay?

James. Yeah.

-Yeah, I'm fine. I'm fine. -Let me see.

Let me help.

Here.

I saw you at the window.

It's fine.

I like you too.

James... Stop.

Hello?

I'm home.

Hey, sweetie. I'm home.

Just a second.

Hey!

Welcome home. So how was your trip?

-Yeah. It was okay. -Yeah?

-I'm just tired. -Anything exciting happen?

Are you okay? What's going on?

Yeah. No. I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm tired.

I...

-Are you sure? -Yeah.

Are you okay?

James? Is that you?

Hey.

You're home.

I was starting to worry.

I told you, you don't need to worry about me.

I know, but I do anyway.

How was your trip? Did you meet any friends?

-Hey. -Hey, you're up!

I can't remember the last time I saw you awake before my run.

Yeah, a lot of prep work before I leave town.

-Right. -Yeah.

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Come here.

Look.

I know the extra hours haven't exactly been helping us, but...

You know I've been working on that deal for like two months,

and I just... I really need to close it, honey.

I know. I know. Everything will be fine.

Sure.

You kissed him?

Can you keep it down?

I'm sorry. But come on, you kissed him!

-He's a student! -Technically he kissed me.

Yeah, not good. He's a student. A minor.

Linda, this is not helping.

Well, then what happened after that?

Nothing. I... I took a cab to avoid the bus,

and I haven't seen him this morning.

Well, have you told Michael?

No.

But I'm... I'm going to.

I should, right?

You want my advice?

Don't.

Besides, you would just be taking care of your own guilt.

It'll hurt Michael in the long run.

And besides, you said James initiated it, right?

Yeah. -Well, then it was just a mistake.

Yes.

Well, obviously, we can't tell anybody.

If the school finds out, they're gonna have your head.

Now, this is what we're going to do.

You're gonna talk to James and tell him that that there's nothing going on,

and then I'm going to transfer him into Richard's class

before this gets worse.

Thank you.

So, make sure you read chapters three and five

because they will both be included in the exam.

Sorry I'm late.

Didn't Linda contact you?

No.

You've been transferred to Mr. Berg's class.

Why?

Talk with Linda in administration. She'll explain.

So, as I was saying, three and five,

chapters three and five, make sure you read them

because they will be included in the exam.

Linda, we need to talk.

Hey, Richard. Can it wait?

I'm kind of in the middle of something.

No, it can't.

What do you know about James Dearden?

The new kid?

Not much. Actually, nothing.

Well, I know what's going on.

I don't know what you mean.

Please. You both gossip about everything.

Richard, let me make this very clear.

There's nothing going on.

Now, I know you have your own crush on Stephanie.

-What? -Come on.

Everybody can see how you drool over her. It's embarrassing.

What? No, I don't.

Richard... Have you seen her husband?

Have you seen her house? She's way out of your league.

-Get over it. -She could get into trouble.

Richard, stop it.

Stop it! There's nothing going on.

Leave it alone.

What you need to do...

Stephanie!

I mean... Mrs. Archer.

James.

We need to talk.

We do...

Let's find somewhere a little more private.

Lead the way.

Why did you transfer me to Mr. Berg's class?

That had nothing to do with me.

That was, a decision made by the administration.

Don't bullshit me. This is about the other night.

Yeah, I've been wanting to talk to you about that.

Me too. I know what you're going to say, and I completely agree.

You do?

Of course. We both know this is a sensitive subject.

I'm so relieved.

So that's it? We... We can keep this between us?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

James! What are you doing?

It's fine. There's nobody back here.

Why did you think I wanted to talk to you?

Keeping this a secret.

Keeping what a secret?

What are you saying? -That the other night was a mistake.

Don't pretend like you don't feel this.

When you kissed me...

Wait. You kissed me.

It's okay. Nobody has to know.

James. I'm your teacher. This can't happen.

Hello, Rick. It's Linda. You got a quick sec?

Great. Listen. I'm in the system,

looking at this new student, James Dearden.

He was supposed to bring me some transcripts in today.

You wouldn't happen to have a home phone number

and an address, would you?

Good. Hold on a second. Let me get the file.

Somebody help!

I honestly have no idea how it happened.

I wasn't in the classroom.

But there's no way that snake could've gotten out by itself.

It was a... I don't know if it was a prank or something.

The door was locked?

Of course it was locked. I always lock it.

So you're trying to tell me

that someone broke into your room to steal a snake?

She could have died.

I don't understand what you're getting at.

Linda is one of my closest friends.

I would never do anything to hurt her.

Do you know anybody that might want to?

-I have no idea. -Okay. So...

Until I wrap my head around this whole thing,

here's how we're gonna proceed.

The snake is gonna be removed from your classroom immediately.

And, hopefully, we'll get to the bottom of this thing quickly.

But in the meantime, Stephanie, please, be careful.

So, how was everyone's day?

Fine.

But I have to leave town a little sooner than I thought.

I have to close that deal.

Really? How soon?

A couple weeks. It's okay, right?

Sure. We'll hold down the fort.

Nicole, how was your day?

Not exciting.

We did read a lot of tweets about what happened at school.

A teacher got bit in the neck by a cobra?

-What? -No, it was Linda.

-And it wasn't a cobra. -Is she okay?

She's fine. She's just scared.

This is exactly why you go to a private school.

Who in their right mind would bring a snake to class?

I'll get it. Nobody get up.

Are you expecting anyone?

Nicole, I think somebody left you flowers.

No, don't touch that! That's Devil's Trumpet.

-What? -That's poisonous.

Okay. Nicole, what are you... Are you dating a psychopath?

Those aren't for me.

Really?

I don't know. I think it... It must be something for school.

Well, that's messed up.

Yeah.

You're home late again.

You're the one who wants me to make friends.

Is that where you were? With friends?

It's none of your business, Mom.

Honey, you can talk to me. I won't get mad.

I'm going to sleep.

You stay in your place.

Do you hear me?

Hey, Mr. Berg.

-I know what you're up to. -Excuse me?

I know what's going on between you and Stephanie,

and I want it to stop.

Man, I don't know what you're talking about.

She could lose her job.

And if you...

She could go to jail!

I'm warning you.

Stay away from her!

Hey, Richard...

You'll never have her.

Hello, Stephanie.

Sorry to surprise you,

but I wanted to talk.

Well.

I know things got a little confusing last time...

James, I'm setting up for class.

-We can talk another time. -No. We're talking now.

And you're going to listen.

I got you something.

-I wanted to smooth things over. -James...

It was my great-grandmother's.

You can't give me that.

It's okay. I want you to have it.

No. James. Stop!

-You don't want it? -No, I don't want any of this!

You don't want any of this?

What about back on the beach? You wanted it then.

No. I admit, I should've made the boundaries clearer,

but you're the one who's pushed this.

Now, I've tried to be nice about this.

This has gone too far.

Let's not say something we're going to regret.

James, if you continue like this,

I'm going to have to speak to Principal Winters.

No, I don't think any of that will be happening.

Because what will you tell Principal Winters?

That you're engaged in a relationship with a 17-year-old student?

-We are not... -We kissed! That isn't a lie.

A secret that big won't stay buried long.

They won't believe it.

Of course they would believe it. People love this kind of thing.

And I have a chat history and pictures

that are not appropriate for a "teacher/student relationship."

You don't have any of that because that...

that doesn't exist.

You seem very sure about that.

Don't push me, Stephanie. I want to make this work.

You're crazy.

Yes. I'm crazy about you.

Because we're perfect for each other.

See you after school.

Stephanie, I can't just give you a student's address.

There's a process.

Linda, you know I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important.

Well, what are you planning on doing with it?

You aren't getting ready to...

I know you're not getting ready to make a visit.

No. Of course not.

Are you in trouble?

I've tried talking to James, and he just isn't listening.

I'm getting worried.

Okay. But if anybody asks...

We never talked.

Thank you.

I don't know what's going on, Stephanie,

but I just need you to be careful.

Hello?

Is anyone home?

What do you want?

Are you James' mother?

I'm one of his teachers at Coconut Creek.

M... Mrs. Dearden!

I just... I have a few questions.

I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting any company.

I'm sorry for intruding.

No, it's fine. Though I'm surprised you're here.

Is it like one of them half days or something?

Should we expect James?

No, I had some free time.

-Everything okay? -I'm not sure.

I was hoping you could help answer that.

I think James has gotten a little...

Attached?

I see.

I'm sorry. He knows better than that.

But I can't say I'm surprised.

He's spoken very fondly of you.

Really?

About your teaching.

James has crossed a line.

And I'm... I'm wondering if I should be concerned.

Should I be?

James has trouble making friends.

When he finds someone he connects with, he just gets eager.

He's a sweet boy.

You see his... Well, his dad died when he was little.

And I've done my best to raise him up,

but as you can see, he hasn't had the best role model, you know?

I'm sorry.

He's always been very sensitive when it comes to women.

At his last school, this girl broke his heart.

He stopped eating, stopped sleeping,

stopped going to class...

It's been very hard on us.

I'm going to talk to James, okay?

I will tell him not to...

you know, respect the boundaries anymore.

So please, don't you worry.

Don't you be concerned. He's a good boy.

He's just so emotional.

Hi, Stephanie.

Hey, Richard.

You need something?

No, no. We haven't talked in a while.

Well... I've been busy.

Yes, I just wanted to talk to you about...

About what?

Nothing. Forget it.

Sorry, just one thing.

Did you get my present?

Present?

The flowers? Datura?

That was you?

Why would you send flowers to my home?

Well, I know that you've been going through some issues lately

and I thought that a gift might cheer you up.

-I can't even talk about this. -What's the matter?

I thought you'd like it, that someone was thinking about you.

My husband found those on my doorstep.

I didn't know what to tell him.

-I'm sorry. I just thought... -We work together.

You have to know that isn't appropriate.

-I was just being a friend. -Were you?

Stephanie, we see things the same way.

It's always been this way with us.

-There is no us. -Yes, but...

But nothing. Just stay away from me.

Stephanie!

So, here you are.

I heard about what happened.

You left these behind.

Thank you.

The whole school has probably heard by now.

Well, I'm not so sure that that's true.

At least for another hour.

Stephanie, I need to tell you something.

Richard... he knows.

About the kiss.

What?

He told me that he overheard you and James talking.

Well, why wouldn't you tell me?

Because I didn't want you to worry.

Because I thought by now, you would've smoothed things out

and it wouldn't matter.

I'm sorry.

Stephanie, I know you don't want to hear this,

but maybe you ought to tell somebody,

before Richard does.

God!

-Stephanie. -No, no, no, no...

No. Stay away.

Get off me. Just stay away. Stay away!

Please!

Stephanie! Stephanie! Stephanie!

-Stephanie! Stephanie! -Are you okay?

-Are you okay? -Stephanie?

-Stephanie, what happened? -Can you hear me?

Are you okay? What's the matter?

It's okay.

My God. Stephanie, Stephanie.

Mom.

Mom. It's okay. I'm here.

Dad is on his way.

What happened?

You were at school.

There was some kind of...

incident.

You were hallucinating.

Hey, hey. Sorry I'm late.

I just got off the phone with the doctor.

He said that you ingested some kind of toxin.

Is she going to be all right?

Yeah, honey, she's going to be fine.

It's already gone through her system.

How was it... How long was I out?

About 24 hours.

He said you were lucky.

He said if you had ingested anymore of the toxin,

you were gonna die.

Running a test now to determine exactly what it was.

But how could that happen?

-Mr. Archer? -Yes.

Detective Meyers. Is your wife at home?

I was hoping to have a word with her.

-Of course, of course. Come in. -Wonderful.

The doctor filled me in on most of the details.

What I need to know is there somebody that you know

that would want to hurt you?

I know this is difficult,

but the fact is, you could have died.

So, any information you have, it might be helpful.

I don't know. I don't want to point a finger...

Steph, if you know something, tell the detective.

Maybe somebody that knows of this toxin?

Devil's Trumpet?

What about the flowers?

Somebody left those things on our doorstep.

Somebody left the same plant that poisoned you here?

Who?

Richard Berg?

Richard Berg? -You're about to fail this course.

-Are you Richard Berg? -Yes, can I help you?

I'm Detective Myers and I'm going to need you to come with me.

-What's this about? -We found this in your office.

I don't know anything about that. What is it?

-Turn around please. -It's not mine!

-Turn around, please! -This is ridiculous!

Put your hands down. Turn around and put your hands down.

I haven't done anything.

You're making a very big mistake.

Anything you say can be...

You're making a very big mistake.

Sure, let's go.

If you don't have an attorney, one will be appointed to you.

This is ridiculous.

-Thank you for coming in. -Of course.

I'm really getting good at this.

Sorry.

I'm sorry for calling you so shortly after the... incident,

and I thank you for coming in.

-Of course. -As you can imagine,

things have been a little hectic around here lately.

Yeah, I know, a lot has happened,

but I'm glad you're having me back so soon

'cause I... I just want to get back to normal.

Actually, that's what I want to talk to you about.

I think it would be in the best interest of the school

and in your best interest if you took a little time off.

What?

Well, before Richard was taken into custody,

he said something to me.

It was an ugly rumor about you and a student,

and it's starting to spread.

What is it?

I'd rather not say.

Actually, when he told me, I was hesitant to believe it,

but given your involvement and what's happened to him,

I'm even less inclined to believe it now.

What did he say?

Well, things have really been difficult for you

for the last little while.

I'd really suggest strongly that you take some time off.

Great. I...

I'll just make sure the classroom is in order before I leave.

Sure.

My God, James. What happened to you?

What is it with people choosing a love what hurts them?

Can anybody tell when they deserve something better?

James, who did this to you?

My mom's new boyfriend.

The latest in a long line of winners.

Do you want me to call someone, the police?

No. He won't becoming back. They never do.

It's always been like this with her.

Even with my Dad.

They'll hit her.

They'll use her. They'll break her heart.

She doesn't do anything about it.

I'm sorry about what happened.

I'm glad that asshole Richard is out of your life.

You deserve better.

Thank you.

So, now that he's gone, things are a little less complicated.

It's just us.

James, look at you.

You're just a child.

This is just a crush.

-It's not a crush. -Yes.

And you need to find someone your own age.

I am so sorry.

For everything.

It won't happen again.

Please forgive me!

Please forgive me.

Hey, sweetie.

Thanks.

Did you have a good run?

Still recovering, but I'll get there.

You know, it's been nice having you home more this past week.

What's up?

Nothing, why?

I can't remember the last time we spoke

where you didn't have a phone in your hand.

-Thought I'd try something new. -Well...

There are positives to being poisoned.

Maybe sympathy points.

Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about.

You know how you said I could ask advice about boys?

Yeah.

Well, you know I'm going camping next week,

and there's this guy I really like.

And I think I'm ready to take the next step.

Who is he? Do I know him?

No. I've only been dating him a couple weeks,

but I really like him.

Why don't you invite him over for dinner tonight,

and I can meet him?

-Really? I don't know. -Yeah, no. It'll be fun.

We'll barbecue.

I'll think about it.

Hey, sweetie.

Thank you for talking to me about this.

Are you going to be late today?

Probably, yeah.

Nicole has a friend coming over for dinner.

I really wanted you to meet him.

Look, I'm sorry. I'm not going to be able to make it.

All right?

How much longer is this going to be going on?

You're never here.

Look, Steph.

I lost $300,000 in business.

If I don't make this deal, we might actually lose the house.

What?

-Why didn't you tell me? -I didn't want to worry you.

I don't know.

I don't want you to look at me as some kind of failure.

Michael, you are not a failure.

It's going to be okay.

Thanks for pulling me out of my class.

I have been a lot less social since you've been gone.

How is everything at school?

Well, it's a lot quieter since they took Richard away.

I'm about to get a snake and drop it in the middle

of the teacher's lounge just to rile things up.

I don't want to ruin your mood.

But?

James hasn't turned in his transcripts,

and so I've been calling around at all the schools.

James has been kicked out of four schools, Stephanie.

Bad grades. Fighting. Insubordination. He's trouble.

He's had a tough life.

Stephanie, I haven't been able to get any information

from the last school that James attended.

It's strange.

Linda, I appreciate what you're doing.

But I'm moving on.

And I think he is, too.

Okay.

I can't believe this is actually happening.

Why are you so nervous?

Mom, I love you,

and I mean this in the nicest way possible.

But... please don't embarrass me.

He must be really something to have you this tightly wound.

God. That's him.

You look beautiful, sweetie.

Mom, this is Seth.

Hi, Mrs. Archer. It's a pleasure.

Come in. Let me show you around.

Mom? Mom?

Seth asked you a question.

I was just wondering how you enjoy teaching.

I imagine it's very rewarding.

It can be. Depends on the student.

I'm sure they're not all bad.

May I use the bathroom?

Sure. Want me to show you where it is?

No. I can manage.

I don't want you to see him.

Wait. What?

Nicole, just listen to me. You're not allowed to see him.

I don't want him in my house.

Stay here.

Mom!

James.

What are you doing here?

Get out of here.

Did you miss me?

I swear to God, I will call the cops.

Really?

Your daughter invited me in.

You stay away from her.

You're the one who told me to date girls my age.

Not my daughter.

Why not?

What do you want from me?

You know what I want from you.

Mom?

Get out. Get out of this house.

What's going on?

Your friend was just leaving.

She's right.

I should probably get going.

It's a lovely house.

-What's going on? -Sweetie, I know him.

His name is not Seth. It's James.

He's a student at my school.

-What are you talking about? -He has problems.

I can't explain it.

But, sweetie, you have to trust me.

Mom, I really like this guy.

Sweetie, he is just using you!

Sweetie, promise me you'll stay away from him!

Detective Meyers, this is Stephanie Archer.

I'm sorry to call you so late.

But I was hoping we could talk.

You said that he was invited in.

By my daughter.

And when asked to leave, he left peacefully?

Look, Stephanie.

From what you're telling me, there's not a lot to go on.

What about the telephone calls, the texts?

From an unknown number, with nothing linking them to James.

In addition, these have all stopped

since Richard has been in custody.

Let's do this.

Compile a timeline of every instance

that you ever felt threatened.

And give me any evidence if you have it.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hi, Stephanie. It's Detective Meyers.

I'm afraid I have some bad news.

We had to let Richard go.

We didn't have enough evidence.

Anyway, I thought you should know.

So, if you need me, call me.

Good morning.

Nicole. Are you still ignoring me?

I know this is difficult to understand.

But you have to trust me.

This is for your own good.

Nicole?

Are you listening?

Nicole.

Sweetie?

Don't wait up for me.

Stephanie.

Richard, what are you doing here?

It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you.

Get out of my house or I'll call the police!

No, no, no. Please, just listen.

-Please, the police... -Leave me alone.

They had to let me go.

I had nothing to do with what happened.

Get out of here!

I'm only here to warn you.

Stay away from James.

I know something was going on between you two.

But he's dangerous!

Listen. Look, I just wanted you to know I'm leaving.

But I didn't tell the police about you and James.

I didn't want to get you into trouble.

But, Stephanie, you need to tell them.

I don't want anything to happen...

Get out of my house! Get out!

I am.

I'm sorry that things turned out like this.

Mr. Berg.

I heard you got out.

What the hell are you doing here?

James?

This is Seth.

Hi.

I love you.

Hey, Linda.

Stephanie, we need to talk.

Can you meet me for lunch?

Of course.

Is everything okay?

It's about James.

-Hello? -Nicole, it's me.

I'm sorry about last night.

No. I'm sorry. My mom completely freaked out.

No, it's okay.

Parents usually don't like me.

She told me that you go to her school.

That your name is James?

I didn't want you to think I was some loser.

You go to that really nice school.

And I thought... I shouldn't have lied.

I really, really like you.

I like you, too.

Is there any way I can see you?

Can you cut early?

I want to talk.

I don't think that's a really good idea.

No, baby, why?

Come on.

Okay.

Meet me in front of the school.

Great.

I'll see you soon.

I can't let you leave!

This has to stop.

Mom?

No!

Hop in.

I don't know how I feel about this.

I mean, my mom doesn't even know I'm here.

Stephanie.

-God, it's good to see you. -You, too.

What's up?

Remember when I told you about James being kicked out of his old school?

I been digging.

Her name was Miranda King.

She taught at Andrew Jackson, James' old school.

What happened?

Well, she was accused of sleeping with a student.

She lost her job, went to jail and got death threats

from the community.

I didn't want to have to bring this up.

But your mom... ever since I started school with her,

she's been weird to me.

I don't know how to... She follows me everywhere.

I've caught her taking pictures of me.

On the field trip to the Keys, she... she kissed me.

I know. I know. That sounds crazy.

But if you don't believe me, why do you think she got fired?

Look, I swear, Nicole.

If I would have known that she was your mom,

I never would have asked you out in the first place.

But I'm happy I did because I like you.

I like you a lot.

And I can't make this decision for you.

It's up to you.

But I'm sick and tired of your mother controlling my life.

And I think you might be a little tired

of her controlling yours too.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Where do you want to go?

You want to come over?

-To your house? -Yeah.

You can meet my mom.

Stephanie, I read her testimony.

She said it was blown out of proportion.

And that she was too afraid to tell anybody about it.

And you think it's James?

Well, it didn't mention his name.

But all of it matches, Stephanie. It's James.

-He's at it again. -I've got to go.

Stephanie, it's dangerous. Tell the police!

Tell the police everything!

Hello? Nicole.

Nicole, say something.

Hello, Stephanie.

James, where's my daughter?

I miss you.

You son of a bitch.

-If you hurt her... -You'll, what? Go to the police?

Tell on me?

Let's see if that's a good idea.

James.

Just leave her out of this. She has nothing to do with it.

I will.

So long as you come see me

so we can talk this through like adults.

Just you.

If Michael or the police or anybody else shows up, she dies.

Okay. I'll get there as soon as I can.

But please don't hurt her.

See you soon.

James! I'm here.

Where are you?

My God.

My God. Are you... What happened?

They're in the stable.

Go! Go!

James!

Nicole!

James!

No!

Nicole!

Nicole!

James, what have you done?

Are you taking me seriously now?

How could you do this?

How could I do this?

What about you?

I loved you.

But every time I tried to get close to you,

you pushed me away.

And you think hurting me and my family's the answer?

Just like my mom.

You can't tell the difference between those that love you

and those that hurt you.

What you did to her, was that out of love?

Don't pretend like you understand.

You have no idea what I've done for her.

What about Miranda King?

Were you helping her when you destroyed her life?

I tried to save her.

I tried to show her how much she meant to me.

How long has this been going on, James?

How many women have you tried to save?

You don't understand.

Nobody understands.

Even my own mother resented me for what I did.

What did you do?

James. What did you do? Tell me.

Tell me, James. What did you do?

I didn't do anything! All right? He beat her.

He beat me, both of us.

Every night he'd stumble his drunk ass home and for years

she'd tell me about how he didn't mean it.

How tough he'd had it.

But enough was enough.

I was 13 years old. I was a kid!

When I put a bullet in my dad's head.

James, listen to me.

What you did to her, what you're doing to me,

you're the one who's hurting people.

You've become just like him. Is that what you want?

Don't say that.

Don't you say that. Everything I do is out of love.

I'll do whatever it takes.

I'll bury your daughter in the ground next to my father

to prove how much you mean to me.

Can you even hear yourself? You sound insane!

You're just like everyone else. I thought you were different.

But I was wrong.

James, please. We can end this. Just let me and Nicole go.

No one needs to get hurt.

What about me, Stephanie?

I'm already hurt.

I never meant to hurt you, James.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

You should have just let me love you!

I didn't think something so pretty could taste so good.

Two compliments in one. I'll take it.

Hey, if biology doesn't work out, you can always teach cooking.

Thanks, sweetie.

Seven years in grad school just so I can cook you breakfast.

Hey, sweetie, if it's important just take it.

-It's not important. -Go, Dad.

That's my appointment.

Was it you or was it you?

How are we feeling today?

It's hard to feel bad when I see you.

We're certainly going to miss you around here.

Don't worry, Brandy.

I got your number.