Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

[dramatic orchestral music]

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

[film projector running]

[bright instrumental music]

- [Commentator] Excuse me, ma'am.

Excuse me?

Why are you going to the Attorney General's office?

- Because I need help with my kids.

My son's father works for the Post Office,

making 28 dollars an hour.

I need some help.

I have to walk to work,

I can't even afford bus fair.

- [Commentator] Hi there, excuse me ma'am,

where's your kids' father?

I don't know where he lives, but...

I do know he hasn't help me financially.

I mean not that I need it,

but,

he hasn't seen his son in six months.

- [Commentator] What would like to say

to your kids' father?

- While you're out there living with your girlfriend,

our son needs your health insurance and benefits.

I need some help,

please.

[siren blaring]

[soft piano music]

[dramatic orchestral music]

[dramatic orchestral music]

[phone ringing]

- [David Voiceover] My name is David Lee.

I'm a patent attorney for Wallace and Wallace law firm.

Although the hours are long,

it's a very rewarding career.

I'm also a single father of a little girl named Mary.

My daughter is my heart and soul,

and I would lay down my life for her,

no questions asked.

Even though it's hard getting out of bed,

how do you make it through the day

not knowing when you will see your child?

I am truly lost without her.

[birds chirping]

[bright orchestral music]

[knocking on door]

- Kelly?

You up?

- [Kelly] I am.

- [Mrs Johnson] All right, well get up and get dressed baby.

Breakfast is ready.

- Okay mom.

- [Monica] My name is Monica Sosa.

I'm a nurse assistant in the Medical Center.

And, unfortunately I work the night shift.

What makes my job so hard is the walking.

and I walk at least 30 miles a week.

But, walking through Hermann Park

gives me a peace of mind of how things used to be.

Ricky and I used to bring Travis here.

I would watch him play baseball,

and I would just read my books.

Oh my God,

I really do miss my family.

Ricky started changing right before my eyes.

He started buying new clothes,

and coming home late, and later,

until he just moved out.

Susan Martinez, she's my coworker,

said I should go to the child support office

and they would make him pay.

Well, today's the day I will finally do it.

Ricky is out of control, and I have to face a harsh reality.

My husband is with another woman,

and he's not coming home.

- [Weather Reporter] The forecast,

plenty of sunshine through today with seasonal temperatures.

We should reach our normal high

of about 82 degrees by this afternoon.

Clear skies tonight with a low near 70.

Increasing cloudiness tomorrow,

sticky and humid with a high of 96,

with the winds out of the east

at 14 miles per hour,

it's currently 75 degrees.

[dog barking]

[news muffled]

- Jason.

Jason, get up.

[dog barking]

Damn it!

What the hell?

Jason, Jason wake up, it's time to go to school.

Boy, I know you hear me.

Get up.

Jason, get your ass up now.

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

- [Tameka] Get dressed and come get some breakfast.

- I don't want no more oatmeal, it makes my stomach hurt.

- Boy, I ain't got time to argue with you right now.

Just like your father.

Get dressed.

All you do is eat and sleep.

I gotta fight with you to get out of bed.

I have to call in to work today,

and now my paycheck is gonna be short.

We're about to get kicked out

and I get no help from your dad.

[soft classical music]

- [David Voiceover] Wow, what a spectacular view.

You know I've lived in these apartments

for the last three years.

This city is my home.

[siren blaring]

This day started like any other day.

Cold breakfast, hot shower,

then I head to work.

My life was pretty simple back then.

However, that all changed when I separated

from my daughter's mother.

I thought breaking up was easy.

I thought moving on was a piece of cake.

Boy, was I wrong.

- [John] David, this is John.

I just wanted to congratulate you

on an excellent job on our client case.

Because of your hard work,

we reached settlement of 12 million dollars.

David, it's attorneys like you that we need

in our executive administration,

and we'd like to promote to vice president of Wallace firm.

Let's talk about it over lunch today.

- [David Voiceover] John Wallace, that's my boss,

and the CEO of Wallace and Wallace Law Firm.

He's a good man, and a fair boss.

Now where was I?

Oh yeah, Stephanie, my daugher's mother.

We separated about six months ago,

and it's a very complicated breakup.

If you have children with your ex-spouses,

please understand,

this will be on of the most trying times

in your life,

and for your children.

[mower running]

- Thanks for the food mom, it's really good.

- Sure honey, I know it's your favorite.

I wanted to do something special for you today.

- Thanks.

- So, you ready for your game today?

- Yeah, I am.

I am so excited about this team.

- You should be.

It's been 25 years since our team

went to the district championship.

What's wrong honey?

- Nothing.

- Are you sure?

- I really need dad to be at my game.

Can you please make sure he's there,

please?

- Yeah, sure Kelly.

I'll reach out to your dad and see if he can come.

But, you know he works late sometimes.

Okay.

Well, if you're finished with your breakfast,

let's get to school.

- Okay, let me go grab my backpack.

- Okay.

[mower running]

[birds chirping]

[phone ringing]

- Hey mom.

How are you?

- [Mom] I'm fine.

How are you?

- I'm okay, just taking a break.

I'm heading to the child support office.

I just can't keep doing this anymore, mom.

Ricky's gonna have to pay,

and he's gonna have a huge surprise

when his wages are garnished for child support.

- [Mom] Monica, you don't need his money.

Why don't you just move back to Austin?

- Mom, come on you know that Travis is in school here.

And he's settled in Houston.

Plus, it's time I take charge of my life,

and that's starting today.

You know, I may not have a car right now,

but in a few weeks I'm gonna have money for bus fare,

and that's just gonna be such a huge help.

- [Mom] I just don't like to see you struggle.

Travis is my only grandson,

and he would be better off

living here with his grandparents,

until you establish yourself.

- Mom, it's gonna be okay.

I'm gonna be okay, Travis is gonna be okay.

Ricky just met this woman and completely changed.

But it's gonna be fine, it's gonna be okay.

Listen, they are so slow at the child support office,

and I want to be first in line so,

can I call you later?

- [Mom] Okay.

Be careful.

- I will mom.

- [Mom] I love you.

- I love you, too.

[soft music]

[phone ringing]

- Come on.

- [Message Voice] Please leave a message after the tone.

[beeping]

- Stephanie, it's David.

Stephanie, why aren't you picking up my phone calls?

We both made mistakes in this relationship.

I just think it's unfair.

Can you at least let me hear her voice, please?

Call me.

[airplane]

[soft piano music]

- No mom, alimony is not enough.

He needs to pay child support, too.

And he's the one who cheated on me.

Hold on.

Kelly, let's go.

You don't want to be late for school.

- [Kelly] Okay, mom.

- Okay mom, I'll call you later

and let you know how it goes.

Okay, bye.

Ready?

- Mm-hmm.

- Let's go.

[water running]

- [Tameka] Come on Jason, hurry up,

I can't be late today.

[dog barking]

Uh, Mom.

Coach Thomas said I need 180 dollars

for new football equipment.

- Jason, I don't have it.

I don't even have money for groceries.

Coach Thomas is just gonna have to understand.

- But mom if I don't have it, I get kicked off the team.

Man, we don't never have any money.

- Boy, what did I say?

I don't have it.

I got too much going on right now, I don't have it.

- Yes ma'am.

I guess I'll just get kicked off the team.

- Boy, what'd you say?

Man finish your breakfast, we gotta go.

Jason, what are you doing?

- Mom!

- Stop messing around.

Let's go.

[knocking on door]

- [Taylor] Dave, it's Taylor.

- Come on in man, the door is open.

What's going on my brother?

Have a seat man.

Can I get you anything, water, orange juice?

- Orange juice be good.

- [David] All right, coming up my brother.

- Hey thanks.

- Absolutely man.

All right Taylor, you said you wanted to talk to me.

What's on your mind?

- Dave, I'm worried about you.

How you doing?

Ugh!

- How am I doing?

I'm not doing very well, man.

I'm still dealing with this breakup.

- It's been six months since you guys

went your separate ways.

That woman definitely has it out for you.

Why can't she just move on?

- You know what?

It's because she keeps talking about counseling,

and therapy, like we're getting married or something.

You know what I don't like Taylor,

is when parents break up,

they put their kids in the middle

of all of their foolishness.

Mary has two parents,

but since we went our separate ways,

I don't get to see her.

- Dave, that's crazy.

From my perspective,

I can tell that this woman knows this is hurting you.

If you were one of those deadbeat dads,

she'd be throwing Mary all in your face.

- Yeah, but I'm not a deadbeat dad.

You know that, and I know that.

And you know what?

She knows that.

No one loves Mary more than I do.

I'm my daughter's biggest fan.

- I hear you, I hear you man.

It's just wrong.

I don't know how you can go six months

without seeing your kid.

If it were me, that would tear my apart inside.

And what about Mary, how's she dealing with this?

I can't believe there are women out there

that would use their kids as leverage against you,

a good father.

- But you know what, man?

I'm gonna be honest with you.

I really believe she loves our daughter.

She's a good mother.

But I am starting to second guess her level of integrity.

Taylor, why am I not seeing Mary?

Why is she avoiding my phone calls, man?

I don't get to see her.

Her grandparents haven't seen her

Hell man, nobody from my side of the family

gets to see Mary.

- Well, you know what they say,

hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

There is no one angrier than a woman

that's been rejected in love.

- Damn man, I wasn't trying to go through this, man.

Ugh!

Child support office been staring me in my face.

However, I cannot avoid the inevitable.

Dude, I have to let you go man.

Work is piling up my brother.

So see yourself out man. Got to call into to work.

I'm not going in today.

Well, we still on for tonight?

If Houston doesn't win this game,

they're not gonna make the playoffs.

Man, the last thing on my mind right now

is hangin' at Sammy's Sports Grill,

and nursin' a couple of beers with you.

Man, why don't you just give me a call tonight,

and let's just see where my head is, dude.

You know I always got your back.

- Hey man, I appreciate you man.

All right

I'll talk to you man.

Okay.

All right.

[siren in the distance]

- [Maria] It's disgusting.

- [Austin] It's really that bad?

- [Maria] I don't even know why I drink this mess.

[phone ringing]

Mm.

- This coffee is terrible.

- [Austin] Yeah, Rhonda made it.

- Rhonda?

- [Maria] Yeah, tell me about it.

[phone ringing]

- I freakin' hate this place.

- Well, I love it, you know why?

- Why?

- Because I always put some magic in my coffee.

- What, that's not a good idea. What?

- It works, yeah.

- [Austin] Jesus Christ.

- [Maria] Rhonda supplies it.

- Hey y'all know I'm security right, that's not good.

- You don't even have a gun.

- But I have a whistle.

[phone ringing]

- I know how to blow.

- [Jessica] Lunch break you know,

you know we get our party on.

- She loves to party.

You haven't seen her.

- You all party together?

What kind of place am I workin' at?

Jesus Christ.

- Don't ask me.

I mean I love it.

- [Jessica] See why I'm so friendly by the end of the day?

- I just thought that you was a perky person.

- [Woman On Intercom] Jessica Bradley, line two.

Jessica Bradley, line two.

- Well guys, it's about that time.

- Please don't tell me we have to open up these doors.

- [Jessica] Gotta help some ladies today.

- And guess what, you get the honors.

- Me?

- Go open the door.

[phone ringing]

- [Austin] Do we have to?

- Yes.

Yeah.

Gotta go help some ladies today.

I mean.

- [Austin] And help some fellas outta they money.

- [Maria] Go open the door.

- You're a very nice person.

- I know.

- Really do not respect this badge.

Do not respect the badge.

- [Woman On Intercom] Maria please call the front desk.

Maria Gomez please call--

- I can't believe this.

- Amen, and amen.

- You say that.

[phone ringing]

[car engine]

[techno music on car radio]

[car engine]

[train whistle blowing]

[phone ringing]

- [The Secretary] Wallace and Wallace attorney at law,

this is Janet, how may I assist you?

- Hey, what's going on, Janet?

- [Janet] Nothin' much, what's up?

- Janet, could you look at my schedule for me please?

- [Janet] You have a nine a.m. meeting with Ross Brokers,

and lunch with John at noon.

- Janet, I need a huge favor from you.

I need you to go ahead

and reschedule all of my appointments.

- [Janet] Okay, John as well?

- Yes, unfortunately John too.

- [Janet] Okay, will do.

Oh yeah, before I forgot, congratulations on the case.

- Hey, thanks a lot Janet, you're the best.

[upbeat music]

[car engine]

[lyrics muffled]

[loud engine]

Okay baby girl,

daddy's comin'.

[phone ringing]

- Morning.

- Good morning.

[phone ringing]

- [Woman On Intercom] Security, line four.

[exhaling]

- Hello ladies, and gentlemen.

- It's about time.

- Yeah, good luck.

We're very understaffed today,

and it's gonna be a very busy day today,

so if you could please walk on in,

and Miss Gomez take right good care of you.

- [Maria] Everyone sign in.

- Hold on, hold on, hold on.

Don't I know you?

- [Woman] No.

- Yeah, I know you.

Janise, right?

- Sign in, everybody.

- [Janise] You're holdin' up the door.

- Right, everybody has to sign in, okay?

- [Michael Johnson] Thank God.

- Keep up the pace, okay?

And if you're new, grab a clipboard.

Take a seat, fill it up.

Sign in everybody, everybody must sign in.

Okay, if you're new grab a clipboard.

Fill it up, take a seat.

Sign in, write your name there.

- Come on Janise, you remember me, back home.

- [Janise] From where?

[Maria] muffle.

Texas.

- [Janice] man goodbye.

Janice?

- Put down your signature there.

Everybody sign.

- We graduated together girl.

- Oh, what year?

- '08.

- Wrong person.

- I know your face girl.

- Wrong face.

[bell dinging]

- Excuse me, sir.

How are you doing?

I'm looking for the Attorney General's office.

- What?

Let me see that.

[laughing]

You talking about the child support office, man.

Well you here.

- Okay.

- What you doin' here man?

- Excuse me?

- What are you doin' here?

- That's a little personal, isn't it?

- No.

- Never mind, sir.

Sir, I'm here to take care of some personal affairs.

Could you please show me where it's at?

- Hey man, you sure you want to go up in there?

I mean, it is rough in there.

Hey hey, don't let 'em take all

of your money up in there, now.

Man, go up in there smilin', and come out mad.

- Sir, just show me where it's at, please.

- This way.

- Every six months he switches jobs.

I don't know where he works,

this don't make no damn sense.

Can you find his job?

- Yes ma'am we can.

Just fill out this form, please,

and when they call your name

they will help you in the back.

[phone ringing]

Don't worry, Miss Williams, we will find him.

- What you lookin' at?

You better watch where you're goin'.

[phone ringing]

- Excuse me.

Hi.

- Yes, may I help you?

- Is this the child support office?

- Yes, it is.

How may I help you?

- Okay, my name is David Lee,

and I'm here to file child support on myself.

[laughing]

Austin, Austin, did you hear this?

What?

[laughing]

- [Michael Johnson] Are you serious?

- [Maria] Okay, okay.

[laughing]

Okay,

I am very sorry sir,

but did you just say you're here to file

child support on yourself?

- Yes, I did.

- [Austin] Oh man, what's this brother doing?

- Okay.

Please fill out this form for me and,

do you have your drivers license,

social security, and pay stubs?

- Yes I do.

- Okay, then please go ahead and have a seat.

Then they will call you in the back.

- Thank you.

- [Austin] Miss Gomez, you okay?

- [Woman] My baby need a daddy.

- [David Voiceover] Okay, now that was weird.

Fellas, don't think because you

file child support on yourself,

that you deserve a pat on the back.

News flash, there's no homecoming for being

responsible for your children.

- [Woman On Intercom] Daja line three, Daja line three.

- Oh my God, girl.

You're not gonna believe this.

We finally got our unicorn.

I know.

Girl, you better come up here.

Yeah, I think there's gonna be trouble.

All right, okay, be fast, bye.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- How are you?

- Good.

- How are you doing ma'am?

- I'm doing well, sir.

- What are you colorin'?

- A dog.

- A dog?

May I see it?

Wow, nice.

My name is David.

What's your name?

- Mary.

- Mary?

That's my daughter's name.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Ma'am, you have a beautiful daughter.

- Thank you.

- Absolutely.

- [David Voiceover] Ever had a person

that didn't like you for whatever reason?

They just picked on you,

for every little thing.

Well this my friend, is a hot mess.

- Excuse me?

[phone ringing]

- Yes?

- How ya doin'?

- I'm good.

- I don't mean to be rude and all up in your damn business,

but did I hear you say you came here

to file child support on yourself?

[phone ringing]

- Yes, I did, and I do think you're being rude.

But if you must ask,

I'm no longer with my daughter's mother,

and I'm just here to take care

of my financial responsibilities.

Do you mind?

- What the hell?

Here this man come to file child support on himself,

and me, I can't find my kid's sorry ass father.

- [Austin] What, what's going on over there?

Everything good?

- I'm fine, thank you.

- [Austin] I got my eye on you.

- [Jessica] Michael Johnson?

- It's about damn time.

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

- Come on back.

- Does it always take this long?

This has been horrible.

I just can't believe this.

- [Jessica] Come on in and have a seat.

- [Michael Johnson] laughing

- Oh great!

- Surprise!

- What is this, some kind of ambush?

What the hell is Michelle doing here?

- Michael, I'm not here to argue with you.

- Here, you want my wallet?

- Mister Johnson?

She legally does have a right to be here.

- Fine, fine here.

Here are my pay stubs.

[phone ringing]

Here's my ID.

You can have a quart of blood too, if you need it.

- Thank you, Mister Johnson.

[phone ringing]

- [Michael] God, this is ridiculous.

- God!

What are you doing here, anyway?

Really?

- I'm gonna stay one step ahead of you, buddy.

- [Michael Voiceover] They are trying to screw you, man.

- [Woman On Intercom] Jessica Bradley, line two.

Jessica Bradley, line two.

- [Michael Voiceover] That's a lot of clicking,

as long as it's under 500 bucks, I should be okay.

So, Miss Bradley?

How much is it, what's the amount gonna be?

I mean, don't put me in the poor house.

- Please let me explain.

All right.

- [Michael] Here it comes.

- So, because you owe back child support,

we divide into five years, at 280 dollars a month.

So that's in addition to your monthly payment

of 1000 dollars per month.

- What?

- So, your garnished wages is 1,280 dollars a month,

based on your - Oh my God.

current salary.

- No, this is unacceptable.

I can't pay that, I can't pay that.

- I'm sorry sir,

that is the amount-- - No, this is unacceptable.

- [Jessica] Based on your current salary.

- It's unacceptable, I can't pay this.

This is ridiculous.

1,280 bucks a month!

Are you out of your mind?

Are you out of your mind?

Are you kidding me?

Oh my God, really?

You took it all, I don't have anything left.

How am I supposed to live?

I'm broke now.

Oh my God, really?

- Oh Michael. - Fine.

- [Michelle] Just pay it.

- Don't even bother.

- So, your baby mama didn't make you come up here?

- Unbelievable.

- Are you a doctor?

[phone ringing] [cheerful music]

Lawyer?

Are you gay?

'Cause I ain't ever heard of this type of stuff before.

- You know what?

You really need to back up,

'cause you all up in my personal space.

Can a brother breathe?

Just to answer your question,

and to let you know, there's a first time for everything.

I'm just here to do the right thing.

[cheerful music]

- Damn, I was just asking a question.

Man, you know what?

I'm not about to sit here and let you

make my blood pressure come up.

Man, whatever.

Gay ass.

[phone ringing]

- This sister's trippin' man.

What the hell is going on up in here, man?

- [Michael] Damn it, Michelle.

- [Michelle] She's your daughter, too.

- [Michael] You just took it all.

You had to take everything!

I have nothing!

Nothing!

All my damn money, 1200 bucks a month.

- Whoa whoa whoa whoa, hold on.

- What do you want?

- How much did you say?

- 1200 bucks, they're gonna take all my damn money.

- Yeah I'd be mad too,

but you gotta take that outside, brother.

Take it out, take it out.

- You're next bro.

[laughing]

Don't let them screw you out of all your money.

I'm gonna be eatin' frickin' jelly sandwiches

for the rest of my life.

God!

[yelling]

- I'll be back.

- David Lee?

- [David Voiceover] Thank God.

What a hot mess.

I gotta get the hell out of here.

- Please have a seat.

- Thank you.

- You know,

I have been here for eight years,

and you are the first man who has volunteered

with no court order.

[laughing]

Most men have to be pushed and dragged to come here.

You know, you are rare,

and I heard you stirred up my lobby quite a bit.

- In all honesty, your lobby is a zoo.

Thank you for saving me.

- Now look, if I may say this,

this place is like a torture chamber for the average man.

You can take away his food,

he could lose his girlfriend,

break his new sports car.

However, my mother always says,

a man's finances is his most prized possession.

So many cases just go to court,

because fathers don't feel

they need to be financially responsible for their children,

regardless of the relationship status with the mother.

So, it is a really good thing to know,

that there's still good fathers out there.

- Ma'am, please allow me to say,

I believe money is important to everyone, not just mothers,

but fathers as well.

I mean, we have bills, we have to live too.

But jail, that's not an option for me.

Okay, my parents taught me

to be responsible for my daughter.

That's why I'm here.

- You know, I completely understand.

Let's just start all over.

My name is Jessica Bradley.

I'm the Senior Child Support Officer.

How may I help you?

- Miss Bradley, let me be honest with you.

I have not seen or heard from my daughter in months.

Her mother will not pick up my phone calls.

I'm desperate, and I'm out of options.

That's why I'm here in your office.

I'm gonna do whatever it takes.

Money doesn't matter to me.

I broke up with my daughter's mother.

I never intended to break up with my daughter.

And I'm hoping when my daughter becomes an adult,

that she will learn to appreciate

how hard I fought to keep her in my life.

After all, she is my priority.

So, here is my application,

and here's my identification.

[dramatic instrumental music]

- Tameka Williams?

[dramatic instrumental music]

- Boy, what do you think you're doing?

You know, you know better.

Take it to your room.

- Man.

[train passing]

[phone ringing]

- [Woman] Hello my dear, how's my little man?

- He's doing his homework.

- [Woman] Well, did you go?

- Yes ma'am, I did.

I can't stand the child support office,

they are so damn slow.

- [Woman] Well, I'm just glad you went.

Now you can finally catch up on your bills.

- Yeah, but I'm not counting on James to come through.

- [Woman] Okay, well you did the right thing,

by filing child support on his ass.

- Mom, you won't believe what happened in there today.

There's a man that walked into the child support office,

and guess why?

- [Mom] Court's order?

- No, he came in there to file child support on himself.

- [Mom] What?

I can't believe that.

- I was so mean to him.

All I could think about was Jason and James.

I cursed him out bad.

- [Mom] Tameka, don't hate every man because of James.

This man should be praised for understanding

that mothers need their help to raise their children.

- I guess you're right.

Let me go start dinner.

Jason be way to quiet in his room right now,

and he's gettin' so big.

I'll talk to you later.

[siren blaring]

[typewriter clacking]

- Yeah, yeah, walk along lady.

Yeah, listen to your headphones lady.

Yeah, happy day isn't it?

Happy day.

$900 dollars, that's unbelievable.

Let's go.

Come on, let's go.

It's a green light lady, come on.

Come on.

Where is she?

Come on, come on man.

Come on, you're not supposed to yield right now.

Hurry up.

I can't believe this.

My AC doesn't even work,

but yet she wants 900 dollars from me?

[muffled speaking] [phone ringing]

Come on, pick up the phone.

[muffled answering machine message]

Pick up your phone!

Yeah come on, she has to be here somewhere.

She has to be here somewhere.

Yeah, enjoy the art show lady.

Yeah, probably on your husband's dime.

That's why she's jealous,

she's jealous because Veronica is independent,

and she's not, she never has been.

How am I?

I have to pay to see my son?

I have to pay to see my son?

Oh, I wish it were that easy.

I wish I could just sign on the dotted line

and see my son.

Unbelievable.

It's too easy.

Where is she?

[reggaeton upbeat music]

There she is.

[horn honking]

Monica!

Monica!

Monica!

Monica, I know you hear me Monica.

Monica, I know you hear me Monica.

Answer your phone Monica.

Monica?

Monica?

Monica, I know you hear me, Monica.

[horn honking]

God damn it, Monica!

Monica, I know you hear me Monica.

Answer your phone, Monica.

Monica, I see you, Monica.

Monica!

Hey, I know you hear me.

- What?

- What the hell is going on?

- What do you want?

- I go to my office, my boss hands me this letter.

What did you do?

Huh?

- I filed child support on you.

- Of course you filed child support on me.

You know what?

That's exactly why I left you.

- Ricky, I'm not about to have this argument with you.

I walk to work every day,

and you never once offered to give me a ride.

Not once.

- You getting to work is none of my concern.

I don't care how you get there.

- Really? Uh huh.

And is Travis none of your concern?

'Cause when he gets sick,

now I have to take him to the clinic,

'cause you took him off your insurance.

It's wrong, and you know it.

- You know Brian, Brian was right what he said about you.

Look at you, you're just a gold digger.

- Oh yeah, okay, a gold digger.

Really?

You know what?

Veronica's got your mind so twisted,

you don't even know up from down anymore.

Oh my God, that woman has three children.

Three, and they get the benefit of your entire salary,

while Travis struggles?

I won't have it.

- There she goes about Veronica again.

Well her three kids are none of your concern.

But 20% of my damn paycheck.

That's almost 900 dollars a month.

- And don't forget back child support for nine months.

- You know I think I just figured it out.

You're jealous, that's what this whole thing stems from.

- Yep, I'm jealous.

You know what?

Miss Veronica can have you.

Sooner or later, she's gonna figure out who you really are.

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

- Whatever Ricky, you heard me.

I mean I am tired of you and your lies.

I'm moving on, and I'm gonna be strong for Travis.

So you can go ahead with Veronica

and this new family of yours or whatever,

but I'm gonna raise Travis to be a strong man,

who's responsible for his kids,

unlike his sorry-ass father.

- Hey, god damn it.

- Get off of me.

- You all see that?

You know what, he's my son too.

And I'm not paying it.

I'm not paying it.

Anybody see that, she hit me.

[siren in the distance]

[motorcycle passing]

- How's my little man?

- I'm just finishing my math homework.

- Jason,

I wanted to apologize about my attitude this morning.

I just want you to have all the things

that I didn't have as a kid.

- Mom, I know dad's not helping you with money.

That's why we eat so much oatmeal.

But I still love you.

And I still love dad.

- Okay Jason.

Finish up your homework

and I'll call you when dinner's ready.

- Okay mom.

[freight truck passing]

[soft piano music]

- Look at this.

I have no food in the house.

We have nothing to eat.

[train whistle blowing]

I can't keep doing this.

I can't keep doing this.

I can't keep doing this!

I hate you, James!

I hate you!

[screaming and crying]

- Mom!

Mom!

It'll be okay.

Don't cry, don't cry, okay.

It'll be okay.

[emotional piano music]

It's going to be okay.

[solemn orchestral music]

- [Monica Voiceover] I never thought

I could hate my son's father.

I can still hear Ricky screaming.

[dramatic instrumental music]

My God, why is he so angry?

[crickets chirping]

- I stink.

I'm gonna go upstairs and take a shower,

then do my homework in my room.

- I thought I smelled a little something in the car.

It's just a little bit worse

than when your dad goes fishing.

- Wow, really mom?

- I'm just kidding.

You played really hard today.

Why don't you go on up?

I'll come up and check on you in a little bit.

- Okay.

- [Michelle Voiceover] Oh Micheal,

look what you're doing to our daughter.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Let me call mom.

[bright piano music]

[phone ringing]

- Hey, what's going on John?

- [John] David, I didn't see you today.

Is everything okay?

- I'm okay sir.

I just had some personal business

I needed to attend to today.

- [John] It's not like you to just disappear.

Is your daughter okay?

- My daughter is fine.

I'll tell you what, John.

First thing in the morning I will come to your office,

and we can talk about it.

- [John] Sure thing Dave.

Okay, have a good evening, sir.

[up beat music]

- No mom, I'm outside.

She's upstairs doing her homework.

She can't hear me.

- [Mom] You shouldn't treat her father like that.

- Mom, why are you taking up for him?

- [Mom] I'm not taking up for him.

Michelle, why are you trying to make him to be a bad father?

He's not.

I'm so sick of you and Michael.

You need to go upstairs and tell my granddaughter the truth.

Kelly thinks her father is coming home.

Stop procrastinating, stop blaming Michael,

and go talk to your daughter.

Now, I love you, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

- Okay mom, I love you too.

Bye.

[sentimental orchestral music]

[crickets chirping]

- [Michelle Voiceover] Michael, of all people, why Karen?

- [Michael] What do you mean, why Karen?

Really?

You left me.

- [Michelle Voiceover] I can't do this anymore.

- [Michael] Oh great, all you do is nag nag nag anyway.

Every time you open your mouth.

What the hell is wrong with you, woman?

- [Michelle Voiceover] You need to move out of the house.

- [Michael] I'm out of here.

- [Michelle Voiceover] Michael, I'm done.

I want a divorce.

- [Michael] Good, that's fine with me.

I don't need you.

I've been waiting for that, that's just fine.

You're gonna regret this.

I'll talk to my lawyer tomorrow.

I'm glad you asked for it first.

I'm gonna get everything.

You watch, I'm out of here.

I don't need you.

[soft instrumental music]

- [David Voiceover] Oh my God, what a long day.

I'm just glad to be home.

You ever had a day

that you were so excited about,

then at the end of that day,

everything that could go wrong,

did go wrong.

What happened?

Why do I feel so empty inside?

Am I really all alone?

Oh boy, I really need a drink.

You know, I thought by filing child support on myself

was the right thing to do.

After all, I'm no longer with my daughter's mother.

I would have never thought in a million years

a father would be criticized, and laughed at,

for being financially responsible for his child.

What really is the message my parents taught me as a kid?

Ladies and gentlemen, when your relationship

with your spouse is over,

in order to move on,

one must not procrastinate the end.

You cannot move on with your life,

until you've legalized your separation.

- [Michael Voiceover] She took my money, my money.

She took it all.

She took all of it.

Damn it!

[rock music]

I should have known.

I should have known!

God she's been,

She's been planning this.

How could I be so stupid?

God, she took my money.

I don't know, something's gonna happen.

Something's gonna happen.

She failed me every time.

What comes around, goes around.

I'm gonna get mine, too.

I'm gonna get mine.

I don't!

You're not gonna get away with this, ever.

♪ I want it all

♪ Yeah, I want everything

♪ You know it ain't worth living if you're dreaming small. ♪

♪ I want it all

♪ I want it all

[rock music]

- [Michael Voiceover] Took my money,

took my huntin' trips,

and you took my damn season tickets.

I work 60 hours a frickin' week.

This is my money.

♪ I want it all

- [Michael Voiceover] My money!

Damn you, Michelle.

God!

- Hello sir, welcome to Sammy's Sports Grill.

- What? - How many?

- How many, you can't see it's just me?

Really?

What do they pay you?

It's too much. - Excuse me.

- [Michael] Who hired that woman anyway?

I can't believe she has a job.

Ignorance running rampant.

- Hi sir, what can I get you?

- Case in point, who are you?

Don't you have a curfew?

- Sir, you don't have to talk to me like this.

- Whatever, go find your parents, they're lookin for ya

Go text on your cell phone.

Go find a toilet to clean.

- What's your problem, man?

- You, move along little girl.

- Watchin' the game here.

- Yeah yeah yeah, I heard you.

- God, Mike.

- What?

- Chill out.

She is new.

- Okay, I'm working on it, I had a...

You would not believe the day I had today.

- Okay, so how's it going?

- How's it going?

It's going horrible, that's how it's going.

The worst frickin' day of my life.

God.

You have no idea.

- Mike, calm down.

Okay?

What happened?

- My wife, Michelle, that's what happened.

This woman.

She took it to a whole new level today.

You know, when I told her I was sorry,

I said those words, they came out of my mouth.

I'm sorry, but did she remember that?

No!

Oh no.

We were separated, okay,

before I even started seeing Karen.

It was over.

It was over, I wouldn't cheat on my wife.

I wouldn't cheat on my wife.

I wouldn't do that.

God!

[knocking on door]

- [Michelle] Kelly?

- [Kelly] Hey mom.

- Hey baby, oh you're smelling good now.

- Yeah, I really needed it.

- Do you have a minute?

- Yeah.

- So,

I wanted to talk to you

about what's going on with me and your dad.

- Yeah, I know.

He hasn't been answering any of my calls.

What's going on?

- You know your father's going through a lot right now,

but I think he's gonna be okay.

Let's just give him a little more time to adjust.

More time?

Mom, is dad mad at me?

Is that why he hasn't been answering

any of my text messages or calling me back?

- No baby, your father is not upset with you.

Okay?

Maybe a little bit with me,

especially after today.

But, you know I'm starting to just think

that your father's upset with himself.

- Mom, I don't understand.

Mom, please don't tell me you're leaving daddy.

- Kelly please, let me explain.

- Mom, are you and dad getting a divorce?

- Kelly, please,

try to understand

what I'm gonna explain to you, okay?

Your father, he loves you very, very much,

and he's always been a good dad to you.

But your father will no longer be living with us.

- Mom, no please.

We all make mistakes, that's what you tell me all the time,

is to forgive my friends at school.

- I know, I know Kelly.

And I know this is gonna be really hard for you.

But, your father and I are getting a divorce.

- No, Mom please, whatever dad did, I know he can fix it.

- Come here.

I'm sorry.

[somber piano music]

- Mom, please,

please mom, don't give up.

I know we can fix this together.

- It's gonna be okay.

Okay?

We're all gonna be okay.

Sorry.

[somber piano music]

- [David Voiceover] My daughter's room.

I really try to avoid this part of the house

as much as possible.

However, I cannot resist the temptation

of coming in here.

Every time I step into Mary's room,

time stands still for me.

One time, I was in here for two days without eating.

Why is Stephanie doing this to me?

I even thought about getting back together.

Then I realized, Mary will grow up one day,

and life is hard enough.

People, never be in a relationship for your kids.

Love is truly an unconditional choice.

The relationship will not work,

and you're just avoiding the inevitable.

Here, here it comes, lets wave at him.

Let's wave at him Mary.

Look at them.

Okay Mary, come here Mary

You're asleep.

Come on baby.

Come on, I know you're tired, it's late.

Come on, daddy got you.

Come here baby, daddy got you.

Come here, oh my baby girl is gettin' big.

Come here, daddy got you.

Daddy got you.

[solemn piano music]

[Children Playing]

Whoa, whoa.

You'd better hold on.

[Mary laughing]

You'd better hold on.

Cause see, I can do it with one hand.

[Mary laughing]

See, I got do it with one hand.

- [Monica Voiceover] I'm so late.

Is he gone?

I think so.

Crazy ass.

[horn honking]

- [Ricky] How am I supposed to live?

900 bucks a month.

That's more than my rent.

That is more than my rent,

how am I supposed to afford a house?

How am I supposed to afford a house for Travis?

This is supposed to be in the best interest of the child.

How is this in his best interest?

I can't even save.

I can't even save for a house payment.

I can't even save for a down payment,

and now she wants 900 dollars?

[solemn piano music]

[horn honking]

- [Monica Voiceover] Oh my God,

that woman has three children.

Three, and they get the benefit of your entire salary,

while Travis struggles?

I won't have it.

[somber piano music]

[horn honking]

- [Man] What's up baby, need a ride?

[horn honking]

- [Ricky] You know what, he's my son too.

I'm not paying it, I'm not paying it.

Did anybody see that?

She hit me.

You're always callin' me.

Always calls me when she needs me.

When I need her now.

When I need her now, she's nowhere to be found.

- Hey, how's it goin'?

How's it goin'?

- Not so good right now.

- Rough day at the office?

- Dude, my life sucks right now, okay?

It sucks.

Any more questions?

- Geez, no, it's all fine.

- You sure?

- What's his problem?

- What?

You say something?

- No, nothin', don't worry about it.

It's all good.

- Sure?

- [Bartender] I'll be right with you.

- Thanks.

- Watchin' the game here.

- Yeah, I heard you the first time.

- [Man] Ah, take it to the laundry mat.

- I'm gonna hit that guy.

- Hey girl.

- Hey!

How are you?

- I'm good, good, how are you?

- You look great, come on, sit sit.

- What's wrong with him?

- Don't look over there girl, he's crazy.

This fool done came up in here raisin' hell.

- Wow.

- [Woman] His wife done left him.

She took the house, the kids, and the dog.

- Your friend's been waiting for you.

What can I get you?

- Anything you want.

- Just water, please.

- Water, okay. - Me too.

- Sure, I'll be right back.

- Oh my gosh.

- Let's take a picture.

- Awesome.

- Oh look, it looks so good.

Look at us being happy.

- I think I'm gonna throw up.

- What's going on?

- Girl, nothing much, this place is a zoo.

- Oh my God.

- Don't look over there girl.

He crazy, I'm telling you.

- Mike?

Mike.

You're a good father, she can't take that away from you.

- I wouldn't doubt it.

- That needs to be your only focus now.

And I'm sorry to say,

but I believe your marriage is over.

So you just need to snap out of it.

- I know you're right,

and my focus does need to be my daughter.

In fact, I blew it today.

I was supposed to be at her game,

I told her I would be there, I didn't show up.

I'm just so distracted by all of this,

with the, with that woman, she's just.

God.

I owe my daughter an apology.

I was supposed to be there and I didn't go.

Wait a minute.

I can't believe I missed this.

What the?

- [Bartender] What, what's up?

- My wife, Michelle.

What the hell was she doin' at the child support office

before it even opened?

- Well, it sounds like she had this planned a long time ago.

- Yeah, yeah it does.

God, I can't believe I missed that.

Yeah, she's gonna back-charge me child support, too.

Do you believe that?

We agreed that I would leave the house, we agreed on that.

1280 dollars a month,

for five frickin' years.

No more boat, no more tickets.

Oh God.

I'm gonna blow a gasket, I'm just gonna chill out,

and think about how my life is gonna suck

for the next five frickin' years.

- That is a lot of money.

What can I get you?

- How about a bandaid for my wallet?

And a suppository, I'm gonna need one of those.

- Seriously, what can I get you?

- Just, just give me my usual, the Parmesan garlic wings,

and you know what?

Give me a soda.

- Soda?

No beer?

- No.

No beer, in fact, no more beer.

My focus is gonna be on Kelly.

I'm gonna stay sober for her.

There's gonna be some change comin',

and it starts tonight.

Calm Mike.

- [Bartender] Calm Mike, I like that.

Sounds like a new beginning.

[somber piano music]

[Kelly sobbing]

[phone ringing]

- [David] What's up, Taylor?

- Dude, where are you?

Everybody's here at the bar tonight, watching the game.

This place is gonna be packed.

- Man, I'm not feelin' it tonight.

After talkin' to you this morning,

man I had to take care of some personal business.

- What, come on man.

We've been waitin' for Houston to get on the map

for like 10 years now.

What happened?

You turned off your phone

and everything went straight to voicemail.

- What's up with the thousand questions, man?

I'm good, I'm just gonna stay home and chill for the night.

So, I'm not comin' to the bar, man.

- Dude, you're killin' me.

What happened?

Did you go to the child support office today?

[coughing]

- [David] Yes, I did go to the child support office.

You know what, man?

I'm good.

- Dude, are you sure?

- Yes I'm sure.

Stacy's here man, I gotta let you go.

- All right well, I'll talk to you later, man.

Good luck.

- [David] I'll holler at you.

- Hey baby.

- Hey, what's goin' on?

- I thought you were gonna watch

the game with Taylor tonight.

- Yeah, I was, but I just decided to stay home and chill.

Besides, it's a beautiful night.

- [Stacy] Yes, it is.

- What's goin' on with you?

- Oh my God, I'm so excited.

So, we got the funding to build a new youth center,

and guess who's in charge of the entire project.

- Baby tell me it's you.

- Yes.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you, baby.

But that's enough about me.

How was it today?

- Not very good.

Taylor was here earlier today, and we were talking.

In my opinion, the Attorney General's office,

it's a goddamn zoo.

The more I think about it baby,

I don't think I should have gone there.

I really think I made a mistake.

- What are you talking about?

David, what you did today, was noble and rare.

This is why I was so attracted to you.

Remember our first date?

You know I won't let you forget it.

- Yes.

- And what you talked about the entire time?

It was a little something like,

Mary, Mary,

oh and some more Mary.

[laughing]

Come on baby, this is silly, and it's chilly.

[laughing]

David, don't beat yourself to death about this.

Look, I'm not a mother yet,

but I know that you're

one of the bravest men I've ever known.

What woman in her right mind

would not want you to be the father of her child?

Stephanie's hurting because of the breakup,

but she knows that you love Mary,

and she knows that you are a good father.

- Baby I don't think so.

I just got my ass chewed out today

by a bunch of angry single mothers.

Why?

Is it because I wear a goddamn tailored suit?

Is it because I'm not thugged out from the hood?

I had a woman today that called me a gay ass.

A gay ass!

In the child support office.

Baby, I'm just trying to get legal rights to see Mary.

I'm just trying to get some type of justice.

I'm a goddamn attorney, I can't even help myself.

What the hell is goin' on?

- David, baby, look I know you're upset,

and I know you miss Mary.

I miss Mary too, and I never even met her.

But you still have to believe

that what you did today was right,

and all you want is equal justice as a father.

Like you said, that place is a zoo.

It's not made for real men like you.

It's made for deadbeat dads

that look at their children like some type

of financial responsibility they want to run away from.

That's not you.

David, you are a good man.

And you want to know why that's the truth?

- Why is that?

- Because I'm always right.

- Yes, yes, you're always right.

- Baby, people break up every day,

but children still need to be fed and taken care of.

You know this, and I thank God

that your parents raised you

to be such a responsible man.

- Baby, I know you're right.

It's just that,

I'm dealing with a pain,

that I cannot describe.

I spend so much time in her room now.

Baby, I'm missing holidays, birthdays.

- I know baby.

- Even school programs.

Still, I thank God for you.

I don't know what I would do without you.

Girl, where you been all my life?

- Gettin' ready for you.

- Is that right?

- You better believe it.

Now, I've got one job for you.

- What's happenin'?

- Sit down.

- Hold on baby. - Uh uh uh uh.

No, I didn't say ask questions, I said, sit down.

I want you to put the game on.

- [David] I can do that.

- And now, I'm gonna go make dinner.

- No no no no, baby.

You don't have to do that.

I was just gonna order us a pizza.

- No no no no no, baby.

My man is not havin' pizza tonight.

- [David] Okay.

- That's right, I'm making your favorite.

- Okay mamacita, you go on with your bad self.

- [Stacy] You better believe I will.

- I'm gonna tell my mom.

- Oh, and can you also tell her

that I want the recipe for her red beans and rice please,

for the third time.

- Yes ma'am.

- [Stacy] Thank you big daddy.

[sports announcers on TV]

[soft piano music]

- Excuse me?

Hi, weren't you at the child support office this morning?

- Yeah, I was there tryin' to get some help.

- Look, it's pretty dark.

Can I give you a ride somewhere?

- No, thank you.

- Where are you headed?

- Just two miles that way.

It's really okay, I walk this every day I work.

- Look, I'm just here to help as many mothers as possible.

It's my job, and I really do care about the children.

[gentle piano music]

- Are you sure?

[sentimental orchestral music]

Thank you.

- So you think Houston's gonna do it tonight?

- I hope so man,

we've been waiting for this for a long time.

- Yeah we have.

I couldn't help but hear your friend

isn't gonna make it tonight.

- No, he's got a lot goin' on, he's busy.

- I'm Mike.

Go ahead and shake it.

I'm not gonna bite your head off, again.

- Taylor, nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you, too.

- Hey, what can I get you?

- Can I get a draft beer please?

- You got it.

- I also owe you an apology.

I kind of took your head off earlier,

and I really didn't have a right to do that.

I'm having some struggles with my wife lately.

I took it out on you, and I apologize.

- Man, it's all good.

We all go through stuff.

- Thanks.

- Well,

here's to Dave.

Good luck to him.

And congratulations.

[soft piano music]

[horn honking]

- So, this weather we're having in Houston

sure is crazy, right?

I mean, one day it's hot, the next day it's cold.

Oh, and then we get hit by Hurricane Harvey.

And then it snowed.

I mean when was the last time it snowed in Houston?

I'm Jessica Bradly, by the way.

I'm Senior Child Support Officer at our downtown location.

- Monica, that's my name.

- So Monica, how many kids do you have?

- Just one.

My son, Travis.

- Ah, he's a good-lookin' young man.

So Monica, where do you work?

- In the Medical Center.

I'm a nurse assistant,

currently on the night shift,

trying to get on the day.

And the hours are long and the pay's really crappy.

- [Jessica] Ugh.

Hey Monica, do you have

any clerical experience by any chance?

- Yeah, I can type like 90 words a minute.

- Wow, that's pretty great,

because we actually do need

a child support officer in my office.

You should go online and apply.

- But I don't have any experience.

- Don't worry about all that.

We'll help you pay for the training,

and we'll help you get your license too.

So when's your next day off?

- Thursday.

- All right, tell you what.

Why don't you spin by my office, say around four?

We can talk all about it then.

- Yeah okay, I'll be there.

- [Jessica] Well great.

[bright instrumental music]

[game playing on TV]

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

- Hello?

Who is this?

Hello?

Is anyone there?

I can't hear you.

Hello?

Hello?

- [Child] Hi daddy, how was your day?

- Mary!

Stacy, it's Mary.

It's Mary.

Oh my God, it's Mary.

My baby girl, oh God, it's my baby girl.

My baby girl.

Oh God, it's Mary.

[crying]

- Mommy,

daddy's crying.

[dramatic orchestral music]

[dramatic orchestral music]

[dramatic orchestral music]

- [Commentator] What if I told you there's a man

in the Attorney General's office right now,

filing child support on himself, without a court order?

- That's a first.

Good for his kids.

But I'm sorry, I'm late, I've gotta go.

- [Commentator] Hi there, ma'am.

Excuse me, you look pretty happy.

What happened in there?

- Well, they finally found his cheating ass.

I just got 1280 a month.

Michael, it's over between us.

I just need you to take care of Kelly now.

Bye.

[elevator dinging]

- [Commentator] Excuse me, sir? Excuse me.

- What?

- [Commentator] Are you just coming

from the Attorney General's office?

Because you look really mad.

- Bro, I'm about ready to blow up.

They got me for 1280 bucks, a month!

No more hunting, no more season tickets.

I'm gonna get six frickin' jobs to eat.

I'm pissed!

Get out of my face.

[bright instrumental music]

- What the hell are you doin' home?

- You dropping that damn top, like five times.

But I'm five percent?

[upbeat instrumental music]

- Excuse me?

- Yes?

- How you doin'?

- What's up?

[laughing]

That's good.

- [Felton] Movie magic.

We got the sound man under the coffee table.

That's the only way we're gonna be able

to get a perfect picture without a glare.

Shiny balls, will never be out of style.

[laughing]

Summer, Winter, Fall.

- Any season really. Shiny balls.

- [Felton] Go ahead and it into position.

- Shiny balls all the time.

- Sorry.

- Okay, you shall go straight,

and you shall turn left at the light.

- All right, all right captain.

- 800 dollars a month.

800 dollars a month.

- [Felton] 900, sir.

- 900 dollars a month.

I can't even believe this.

900 dollars.

[laughing]

- She hasn't said action yet.

You uncomfortable? He's uncomfortable.

- Action.

[bright instrumental music]

- And you, you're next bro.

They gonna take all your money!

All of it!

Don't let 'em screw you out of it.

I'm gonna be eating jelly sandwiches

for the rest of my frickin' life.

God.

- He eats jelly sandwiches.

I eat oodles and noodles.

Let me go handle this.

- Cut.