02x06 - Jace + Crystal

[bunniefuu]

[breathing heavily]

[exhales sharply]

[breathing sharply]

[breathing heavily]

["Day Ones" playing]

[people chattering]

[Tonya] Who are all these people?

No clue.

[sighs]

[inhales sharply]

- Good morning, everybody.
- Morning.

- Morning.
- Morning.

So, like I said before,
this is just a formality. Okay?

You guys go in there
and apologize for how you handled it.

That's it.
This will all be behind us. Okay?

We all on the same page?

[sighs]

- [sighs]
- [mouthing] You all right?

All right. Let's go do it.

[speaker] Hello, everyone.

On behalf of the Maryland Unified
Athletic Council, good morning.

We all know the reason we're here.
And my understanding is,

the young men... the players...
have something they would like to say.

[exhales shakily]

Hello.

As you all know, I'm Jace Carson.

Getting back on the court...

means a lot to me.

Not just because of college...

or my future...

or even my teammates.

[inhales sharply]

But because being on the court is where
I feel most like myself.

It's what I love.

And I understand that if I apologize...

[swallows]

...for something I did...

when I was 14 years old,

I can get what I love back.

What we did wasn't right.

But... [exhales shakily]

...I don't know if it was wrong.

[audience gasping, clamoring]

[sighs]

I'm sorry
that there weren't systems in place

to better protect Crystal Jarrett.

[exhales sharply]

[Emory sighs]

But for what I did...

I can't apologize.

[audience clamoring, chattering]

[whispering] Good job.

Okay, everyone. Just a minute, please.

Just a minute, please.

[Jenna whispering]
I'm so proud of you. You did it.

[clears throat]

Is this how you all feel?

[whispering] It's okay.

[Phil sighs]

Yes, sir.

[inhales deeply] Yes, sir.

[clears throat]

Yes, sir.

[Tonya] You okay?

Proud as hell.

Twenty-four-hour people.

Yeah.

[inhales deeply]

- [Meg] Yes. Yeah. I understand.
- Okay. I will call you back. - Thank you.

So let me guess. You had no idea
they were gonna do that in there.

Of course I didn't.

The board was ready to reinstate them

and they just tossed up
eight middle fingers, Meg.

[sighs] Okay. So, what now?

[sighs] The final decision
is pending further review.

[sighs] Look, I'll get back
with the committee,

but I really don't know
how much more I can do.

[Ike speaks indistinctly]

- Thank you.
- [Tonya] Thank you so much.

- A lot of surprised faces.
- [sighs]

Um... [inhales deeply] ...yeah.

I'm not a believer
in "the sky is falling," Ike,

but it does feel like the sky is falling.

Everyone who was recruiting Jace
has gone silent, and now this.

From where I was sitting,

that was a young man in there
that I deeply respect.

- Okay?
- [sighs]

And I think those who matter
will still believe in Jace.

- Those who don't, don't matter. All right?
- Don't matter.

It's nice to see you in person,
instead of on a Zoom screen.

Yeah. Three dimensions is, uh...

[inhales deeply]
...definitely better than two.

[sighs]

I've been tracking the events. The video.

How are you handling it all?

I don't know.

I guess... [inhales shakily]

...I just don't take the time
to think about that.

Hmm.

But as I sit here now,
I think I'm handling it okay.

Not gonna lie,
there was a moment when I, uh...

[sighs]

Just... [sighs] ...seeing his face...

[inhales deeply]

...seeing his name,

hearing it over and over...

It brought you right back.

[breathes shakily]

It was scary.

Just when I thought I had gotten past it,

it seemed like
there was nothing I could do.

[inhales sharply]

Like I was destined to only be remembered
as the girl who survived abuse.

I think how you handled it
will inspire a lot of people.

You took something terrifying
and traumatic

and you turned it
into something empowering.

Not just for yourself, but for others.

[sighs]

How is the young man?

Who? Rod?

Jace?

I'm not here to talk about him. Right?

We can talk about whatever you like.

[chuckles]

All I know is,

right now, it's strange because...

after everything that happened...

I actually feel more like myself
than ever before.

True life awakens when we awaken.

Hmm. That's...
That's what it feels like right now.

[Jenna] Jace.

What are you doing?

Mom, it's okay.

You can talk to me.

[exhales shakily]

If it's cool with you,
I don't wanna go to school today.

[sighs] I'll call your dean
and say you're taking a mental health day.

[sighs] Thank you.

I was thinking.

My big Holly Ann Conference
this weekend is in New Jersey...

That's a big deal.

It's huge just to get invited.

They're honoring the top consultants
in the nation...

- They better honor you then.
- [chuckles] I don't know. We'll see.

[sighs]

Maybe you should come with me.

Might be nice to get away.
A little room to breathe.

Can I let you know later on?

Sure.

Thanks, Mom.

[sighs]

Yeah. [grunts]

Nothing has changed, Coach.

[Coach] I like the kid,

but it's my job to be worried about some
of this, you know, off-the-court stuff.

Look, all right, he's a great kid
and a great player. I assure you of that.

Who shoots barely 20% from three.

He'll work on that. [chuckles]

Then I have to ask, why is your own
athletic director telling me

I would be smart
to steer clear of the kid?

What exactly did he say?

"Not worth the headache."

Hey, Ike. Look, I gotta run.
We'll talk.

All right.

[breathes deeply]

I'ma curse Emory out.

- No, you're not.
- Mm-hmm.

Okay, baby, let's go. Time for school.

Okay, Mommy.

How is an athletic director gonna
go around bad-mouthing a student athlete

who's already against the ropes?

Some people punch down. I punch up.

No punching will be necessary.

I have a meeting scheduled with Emory
later today to discuss Jace and the boys.

You got a meeting about my team?

I see it as a diversity issue.

He's gonna see it
as me hiding behind my wife.

Even if I wasn't married to you,
I would still take the meeting. Okay?

Male Black ego.

Okay. Okay.

Can we go now?
I have to go curse somebody out.

[Ike, Tonya chuckle]

[pop music playing]

[humming, muttering]

[cell phone ringing]

Hello.

- [caller] Hi. Is this Crystal Jarrett?
- Yes.

[caller] Hi. This is Vicky Sirota.

I'm a rep from
the McDonald's All-American game.

Normally we would reach out to your coach,

but in your particular case,
I really wanted to call you personally.

So, the selection committee had
a lot of hard choices to make this year,

but we believe you are one of
the top basketball players in the nation.

So, luckily,
this is one of the good calls.

Congratulations. You've been named
a McDonald's All-American.

Let's go! [squeals]

[cell phone ringing]

[sighs]

Yo.

[Crystal] Um, what are you doing, scrub?

Staying home today. Too stressed.
Why do you sound so energetic?

Get dressed.

[Jace] What?

[sighs] Yo. Let's figure out a way
to handle your stress.

I'm coming to pick you up.

[cell phone beeping]

[chuckles]

I just couldn't apologize.

Dude, you are not trying to make it easy
for yourself, are you?

You're my best friend.
I'm not gonna apologize for that.

Where are we going?

It's a surprise.

Better not be some nasty vegan spot.

Vegan hate is played out.

[chuckles]

[inhales sharply] Hey. So...

I still haven't heard about
this McDonald's All-American game.

What?

[sighs] Heard they reach out to people
personally before the public announcement.

I think the controversy
could have something to do with it.

How about we not think
about any of that today?

Are you serious?

Have you ever even been inside this place,

or you just hit people
with balloons out front?

Consider this a do-over for me
being late to your ninth birthday party.

[chuckles]

[funk music playing]

Welcome to Old School Week. This is
your captain and chief in command,

DJ Cliff, bringing you back
to when music was pure.

[funk music continues playing]

[skater] Whoo!

[DJ Cliff] The style was happening
and love was a rallying cry, baby.

How are people in here so early?
I mean, don't they got school or jobs?

Not during Old School Week.

Should we learn some choreography?
Like, look at that.

Nah. I like to keep my sh*t organic.

[both chuckle]

Peace and love. Size?

[Crystal] Nine, please.

- [Jace] Thirteen.
- Right on.

I might be a little rusty.

Don't worry.
You were not good to begin with.

Better than you.

[scoffs] You're gonna learn today.

Look, roller skating is just like life.

The more chances you take,
the more at risk you are to fall.

Or you can hold onto the wall.

[chuckles] That's deep.

And it rhymes.

Thank you.

[chuckles]

I could actually rock this hat
in real life.

- It does look really good on you.
- That's what I'm saying.

[chuckles] Come on. Let's go.

[chuckles]

[DJ Cliff] Nice moves, my man.

Okay, now, beautiful soul flower.
I see you, baby girl.

Foxy lovers. Let's boogie down.

I see you soul brother
and soul sister number one.

Wait. Is he talking about us?

[DJ Cliff] Y'all look like
you got the world on your shoulders.

Go ahead and leave that outside.
Be free and let's dance.

["Let's Go Dancing" playing]

All right.

[Crystal laughs]

You don't know where I'm at.

- Where I'm at, huh?
- [laughs] Hey, you better be careful.

[laughs] My legs are dead right now.

[Crystal] Excuses.

[Jace] Excuses?

I ran the hill yesterday.

I ran yesterday and today.
You don't see me complaining about it.

- Whatever, Miss Jarrett.
- Peace and love, Jace Carson.

[Jace] I don't know why you're trying
to race me right now.

Ooh, Miss Jarrett.

- [laughs]
- Where you going, Miss Jarrett?

[Crystal] Wait. [chuckles]

- Don't drag me down with you. Come on.
- I got you.

Come here.

- Hey.
- [chuckles]

Smooth. How you like this?

Hmm. Better.

[people chattering]

- [upbeat music playing on phone]
- [student 1] Ah. Yeah. Great. Hey. Uh.

- Ah.
- [chuckles] Yeah.

[student 2] Yes. You nailed it.

[Musa] That's what I was saying.

- [sighs]
- You know what I'm saying? It was just a...

- My bad.
- Oops, sorry. Are you okay?

- Yeah, sorry. I should've been looking.
- Nah, nah. It's all good.

It's... It's my fault. Uh, I'm... I'm Musa.

V.

Nice to meet you.

You too.

- All right, y'all.
- Yeah. Later.

If you're not talking about
the basketball team or your next vacation

or the expensive new cars your parents
are buying you, you don't fit in.

And if you don't fit in at a place like
Cedar Cove, it's worse than being bullied.

You feel invisible.

I am invisible.

To the Black students as well?

To Black boys, I am.

I literally just bumped into Musa Rahaim,
and he was a perfect gentleman.

And with all the stress
he must be feeling,

he was kind enough
to introduce himself to me.

Well, that must've helped you feel seen.

I've had about six classes with him
since sophomore year,

and this is the first time
we've ever spoke.

- [sighs] You...
- [knocking]

[Tonya]
Dr. Lawson, can you give us a minute?

It's okay, Mrs. Edwards.
I have class next period.

V. Know that I see you.
And I'll check in with you soon.

- Thank you, Mrs. Edwards.
- Of course.

[V] Hi, Dr. Lawson.

Hi, V.

[sighing] Please, have a seat.

Everything okay with V?

I think it will be. Have you ever had her
in one of your classes?

Last semester. I taught a class called
"The History of w*r."

She got a B-plus, if I'm not mistaken.

Would've got an A but she rarely
participated in class discussion.

History of w*r?

AP class. The similarities, uh,
between constructing an army

and constructing an athletic program are
not as far apart as one might assume.

[both chuckle]

There are not many
athletic directors like you.

You're impressive.

When I heard you dropped by my office,

I... I certainly didn't assume
I missed out on a compliment.

It's because I came to talk
about Jace, Phil, Drew, and Musa.

Mmm.

Four great young men
with very promising futures

who may be able to reach your heights
if ever given the chance.

It depends on where
they focus their energies.

They've been treated like celebrities

since they won a championship
in junior year.

You resent them for that?

There are responsibilities that come
with success.

Right.

And there are several people
who put themselves on the line

to ensure they would have the opportunity
to succeed. I'm one of them.

And as noble as Jace Carson
is presenting himself to be,

he did not confess because he thought
it was the right thing to do.

He confessed
because he thought his "athletic gifts"

would camouflage his lack
of high moral fiber.

You told a college
that he wasn't worth recruiting.

[inhales deeply]

That was because of
your nobility and high moral fiber.

Or because your victory parade collided
with his decision-making.

You know, speaking of impressive,
you are as well, Miss Edwards.

Thank you.

You were a social worker
before Ike got you the job?

I landed this position on my own accord.

Of course. I mean no disrespect.

Of course not.

To answer your question,
I don't revel in fanfare.

I revel in the consistent advancement of
our students, particularly our athletes.

You seem to be consistently impeding
on Jace Carson's advancement.

Says the woman married to the
grand marshal of the Jace Carson parade.

- It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
- Hmm. Likewise. I appreciate that.

- [inhales deeply]
- It may be even more of a pleasure

if you ever take the time
to get to know yourself.

[sighs]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[scoffs] I should've cursed his a*s out.

Yo, that guy is my entire mood board.

His bag is so big he gotta
pay extra just to check it.

- Yo, you are so dumb.
- [both chuckle]

No. Don't do that.
Don't touch my fries with that.

Happy?

[chuckles]

You ever wish you knew
what was coming next

so you wouldn't have to worry about it?

Like, you'd just know
what was gonna happen?

Yeah. But then I'm like, "Nah." [chuckles]

It would take all the fun out of it.

I don't know if I'm gonna be able
to play again.

Or if these college coaches
are ever gonna come back.

All of a sudden,
they're picking my game apart.

Sometimes I wish I didn't care so much.

Like, if I didn't care so much,

I probably wouldn't lay awake
in bed at night...

[stammers]...you know? Just...

If I was just some dude, and not...

Jace Carson? [chuckles]
You would not be able to survive.

- [chuckles]
- What do you mean?

Without the attention.

Wow. So you trying to call me arrogant?

You are arrogant.

No. I'm ego-forward.

[chuckles] Okay, scrub.

I hate you.

[person] Can I get a picture?

[mumbles]

I am such a big fan of you
and everything you stand for.

- You mean more to me than you know.
- [chuckles]

That means everything to me. Thank you.

Make sure you take a couple.

[chuckles]

[Jace] All right.

- Boom, bop, biggity, wow.
- [chuckles]

- There you go.
- Thanks, Crystal.

Thank you.

Did that hurt your feelings?

A little. 'Cause I wanna be
in the pictures with you.

I think I can arrange that.

[laughs]

Um, you know,

I never really, uh, told you this, but...

After you transferred to Cedar Cove

and we went our separate ways...

I was really sad.

I didn't know that.

I always thought we said
we wanted to focus on ball.

Maybe that was a mistake.

I know I missed you.

[inhales sharply] Yeah.
Well, I just needed someone to talk to.

And Rod was someone who listened.

He was nice, easy. [sighs]

Easy is good sometimes.
You wouldn't know about that.

What, um... What's going on with... How...

How is that break y'all was taking?

[sighs]

The break is officially broken.

[gasps] How come?

[chuckles] Um...

[inhales sharply]

He's not you.

So, you know how we, um...

- [phone rings]
- Oh.

Sorry, it's my mom.

Better take it.

Yeah, I'll be right back. [sighs]

- Hi, Mom.
- [Jenna] It's loud. Where are you?

Sorry, I'm in the roller rink.

[Jenna] The roller rink?

What happened to your mental health day?
Who are you with?

Okay, I can hear you now. What's going on?

[Jenna sighs]

I'm trying to lock down my hotel room
for the Holly Ann Convention

and was wondering if I should get
the king-size bed or two fulls.

Uh, I really would love to support you,

but I think I would just rather
stick around here for the weekend.

[Jenna] Are you sure?

I can handle myself for a night.

[Jenna] No wild parties.

You too.

[Jenna laughs]

[laughs]

[Jenna] It's good to hear you laughing.
Okay. I love you.

Good luck, Mom.

What?

Nothing.

My mom is going out of town
for the weekend.

Oh, really?

Yeah, you could, uh,
come over when she breaks out.

If you want.

Oh.

Um, no offense,
but I'm not trying to be in your rotation.

It's not even like that.

Oh. Interesting.

Thought so too.

["I Need Love" playing]

[chuckles]

You were about to say something.

What?

Earlier. About us.

Oh, yeah. That.

[chuckles]

Come here.

[sighs]

Yo! Congratulations.

You see that girl over there?
She's a McDonald's All-American.

Wow. Right on.
One vegan sundae, one regular?

Appreciate it, man.

Why aren't you freaking out?

I don't know. I just...
I know you really wanted this too.

I mean,

I kind of figured when I didn't
get the call that I wasn't gonna make it.

Wait. Did you get a call?

[sighs]

Oh.

I wasn't trying to...
Look, I was gonna tell you.

Right, yeah. So, why didn't you?

I just wanted us to have a good time.

Hmm. [sighs]

Jace.

Same old Crystal.
Keeping it close to the vest.

Same old Jace.
Always trying to control things.

You don't see it, but sometimes,
it's not about you,

or what you want,
or what you think is right or wrong.

Controlling things? My bad.

My dumb a*s thought
we had each other's back.

[phone buzzing]

You should take that.

'Sup, Coach.

Bet. Let me hit you right back.

Gotta get ready for my game.

Wait, does that mean you...
you're reinstated?

- Yeah. [sighs]
- That-That's great.

- I gotta go.
- I... I can give you a ride.

I'll take a Lyft.

Looks like the M.U.A.C. didn't wanna be
on the wrong side of things.

All the love our kids have been getting
on social media made them crumble.

Well, it's nice to have the court
of public opinion in our favor for once.

- Mm-hmm. [chuckles]
- [Ike chuckles] It was a gamble,

but I was hoping it would go this way.

[Meg] Wait, did...

Did you know they weren't gonna apologize?

[clears throat] Uh, well, uh...

Jace confided in me.

I need him to know that he can trust me...

- [exhales sharply]
- ...so I... I kept his secret.

[exhales sharply]

Trust.

I mean... [chuckles] ...it's everything.

But Musa's my son. How could you
keep me in the dark like this?

[stammering] I'm sorry.

[breathing heavily]

[breathes heavily]

[Ike clears throat]

How y'all feel
about the sisters on campus?

[chuckles]

This your new motivational speech?

[players laughing]

[chuckles] Not a speech. Just a question.

I feel really good about the sisters.

[players chuckle]

[Phil] So do I, Coach.

- [chuckles]
- Mmm.

Oh. "Sistas." Not "sisters."

[players laughing]

[sighs]

I'ma shut... shut up now.

All right, cool.

Well, my wife says that some of them

aren't quite feeling the love.

Now, I'm not gonna tell y'all who to date
and who not to.

But a lot of those sisters stood
with y'all when things jumped off.

Now, this right here is gospel.

If you see a sister... and I mean,

really see her...

Man, she'll have your back forever.

[clears throat] I co-sign what Coach says.

And I'm taking that
from my players handbook.

Not "players." "Playas."

[players laugh]

[Drew chuckling] Oh.

So-So-So that's where you got
that corny-a*s line from.

Hey. I don't know. It must be genetic.

- [players laugh]
- [inhales sharply]

Look, now, I know that has nothing to do

with what you're fixing
to do on the court.

But that's okay.

Being judged on and off the court
is something that we're used to.

Now they're saying that we might
not even make playoffs,

let alone win a national championship.

Now, if we could just come together...

not just as a team, but as a family,

we'll be unbeatable.

We'll be unbreakable.

Musa.

Now that was my motivational speech.

[laughing]

Now, y'all... [stammers] ...you know,

I-I... I really miss
the chant y'all used to do.

I... I don't... I forget how it goes.

But if y'all could just give me that...
that chant one more time.

I-I could really use it, please.

- I got you, Coach.
- Start it up, Nick.

- [players chattering]
- [drumming]

Yeah. Yeah!

[players] ♪ We brothers, we brothers ♪

- ♪ We brothers, so strong ♪
- So what? So what?

- ♪ We brothers, we brothers ♪
- [Phil] And who are we?

And who are we gonna be?

- ♪ We brothers, so strong ♪
- [Phil] And who are we?

♪ Ay, ay, ay
We brothers, ay, ay ♪

♪ We brothers
Ay, ay, we brothers ♪

[phone ringing]

[sighs]

Hey.

[sighs] Crys.

[sighs] I'm sorry.

I'm sorry too. I should've told you.

I just didn't want you to have
something else to feel bad about.

I know. But I made it about me
when it should've been about you.

No matter what happens to me,
I'll always be happy for you.

[chuckles]

- [host] And now...
- [phone buzzing]

- ...the moment we've all been waiting for.
- [Jenna inhales deeply]

[host] Proudly representing the D.C.,
Maryland, and Virginia area after years

of providing stellar cosmetic
and skin care consultation.

Taking the stage for the first time,

this year's recipient of
the Holly Ann Lavender Lexus,

Miss Jenna Carson!

[audience cheering, applauding]

Oh, my God! Go. Go!

[chuckles]

- [cheering continues]
- [chuckles]

[crying]

[announcer]
All right, Mustang fans. Make some noise!

[audience cheering]

[announcer] And your Cedar Cove
starting five.

[announcer] At forward,
senior, Nick Mendez!

Whoo!

- At point guard, senior, Musa Rahaim!
- [grunting]

[audience imitating moose sound]

- [chuckling] Yeah.
- Go get 'em, Son.

Yeah.

Let's get it.

[announcer] At sh**ting guard,
senior, Drew Murphy!

Let's go! All right, bud.

At center, senior, big Phil Marksby!

[audience chanting] My bad!

At guard, your Cedar Cove team captain...

senior, Jace Carson!

[speaks indistinctly]

[audience chanting] Jace Carson.
Jace Carson.

Jace Carson.

Jace Carson.

Jace Carson. Jace Carson.

[Ike exhales sharply]

[players chanting, cheering]

[Jace] "Swagger" on three.
"Swagger" on me. One, two, three.

[all] Swagger!

[inhales sharply, squeals]

[sighs, squeals]

[sighing]

[breathing heavily, chuckles]

Come on, baby. Come on.

Let's go, Jace. Let's go.

[Musa grunting]

- Play back!
- Play back! Wake up!

- Come on, y'all. Come on.
- Hey, Drew!

Channel it, Musa. Channel it.

[grunts]

- [Drew] Phil!
- [grunts]

[audience cheering]

[announcer] Boom! Jace Carson!

Let's go!

[cheers]

[grunts]

[chuckles]

Come on! Yeah.

[Jace] I'm back!

- [Naim] Yo!
- [exclaims]

- [players cheering]
- [Jace] I'm back!

- That's what I'm talking about!
- I'm back!

That's what I'm talking about!

- Hey!
- Get off the floor.

[knocking on door]

[Crystal] Hey, scrub.

Hi.

Heard you had a good game.

Uh, yeah. I had 35 and a win.

Do you wanna come inside?

Yeah.

[chuckles] This is a nice place.

[Jace] Yeah.

It's kinda crazy
you've never been here before.

[sighs]

[Crystal chuckles]

Do you want some water?

Mmm, sure.

[both chuckle]

[chuckles] Thank you.

[chuckles] It's good.

[chuckles]

Yeah. Good water.

[chuckles]

Uh...

Do you wanna see my room?

[chuckles]

Mmm. [chuckles]

[Crystal chuckles]

I won this one.

[chuckles]

And I won this one twice.

Wow. [chuckles] That's some, uh,
sappy sh*t.

You think that's sappy?

[chuckles]

How's this?

I love you. I love you, Crystal.

Always have. Always will.

[chuckles]

I love you too.

I've never...

Gone all the way?

Me neither.

Wow. Jace Carson.

Crystal Jarrett.

[Crystal chuckles]