A Christmas Wish (2021)

[bunniefuu]

Oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Two bills in and

already at 400.

Uh oh, is it bills time?

Mm, you got it.

Just hope my paycheck can

cover the important ones.

I mean, of course my paycheck

will cover everything.

Including this

new gymnastics class

I wanna try out next month?

Oh, and kids in

my algebra class,

were talking about

doing a Secret Santa.

And, you know, I don't

wanna be left out.

Okay, where's this class,

how much is it gonna cost,

and who's running it?

One of the teachers at school,

Ms. Sherman, is running

it with her sister.

It starts after Christmas

and it's only $300.

Whoa.

I'll see how much is left over

after I pay the bills, Esta.

Hey, what about Dad?

What about him?

Maybe he can help pay

for the things I need.

No.

Why not?

Because I don't need

your father's money, okay?

I can figure things out.

But Mom, you shouldn't

have to struggle alone

to take care of me.

Look, I'll go talk to

him. You won't have to.

First of all, struggle

is a strong word.

I'll figure out how

to get those classes

before registration, okay?

Okay.

Struggle.

And I need a refill.

Where is she?

I need to talk to her.

Where is who?

Principal Austin. I

need to see her right now.

Ms. McKenzie. Mrs. Austin's

already left for the day.

What?

No!

No, she can't just lay me

off and leave for the day

like nothing ever happened.

I'm sorry, but she's gone.

Well, I need to see somebody.

I need to see an

administrator about this.

Okay.

Try and calm down.

Please have a seat.

I'll try the AP, Mr.

Matlock, for you, okay?

Calm down.

Need to calm down?

You still have a job.

Oh.

Hey, sweetie.

Hey, Mom, where are you?

I'm at, at school.

Something came up I needed

to take care of, why?

Remember, you were

supposed to come pick me up.

Oh.

Oh, sh**t, honey, I'm sorry.

Give me about 30 more minutes

to wrap things up.

Can you stay at

school that long?

Yeah. I'll

find something to do.

See you soon, Mom.

Okay. Great.

Bye-bye.

Dalton, what the hell are

you doing in my house?

I'm pretty sure this

is still my house.

I won it in the

settlement, so it's my house.

Right.

Dad.

Hey, baby girl, come here.

How are you?

What are you doing here?

Came to see you

and to pay your

mom a little visit.

Well, we don't have

anything we need to discuss

so you can get out.

Mom.

Hey, don't worry

about it, baby.

She can't get rid

of me that easy.

At least not tonight.

We don't have anything

we need to discuss.

What do you want?

Dad, can-

- Eh eh.

It's okay.

I'll come get you after I'm

done with your mom, okay?

Okay.

Thank you, Princess.

What do you want?

See you got the house all

decorated nice and pretty.

The tree is nice, but outside

is really amazing, you know.

I can't even front.

You always had a thing

when it came to decorating

around Christmastime.

Thanks.

What do you want?

Why the hell did you put

a motion for child support?

Because we're divorced.

I've never had a problem

with taking care of my child.

I don't need a judge telling me

that I'm on child support.

I don't trust you to do

the right thing willingly

so I'd rather have

a court do it.

You don't trust me

with money, girl.

No, mmnn.

Girl, are you tripping?

No, I don't trust you

with money, remember?

You and money are the reason

that we are divorced right now.

Here we go.

Or did you forget?

- Here we go.

- What?

You're terrible with finances.

What?

I digress 'cause I'm

not really trying

to get into all that

with you right now, okay?

So listen, I have an account

already set up for Esta.

She can pull money from that

whenever she needs, okay?

What, you have a what?

Yeah, because I don't

need some uptight judge

telling me how

much I need to pay

for my child.

Ooh.

- My daughter can get-

- Freaking.

Whatever she

needs from me, okay?

I'm not trying to go back

and forth with you right now.

I've had a horrible day.

Who cares?

Nobody asked you that.

And plus this is

way more important

than your day, all right?

Plus, you've gotten way

more than enough from me

from the judge already.

- I got enough from you?

- Yeah.

All I got was this house

and a whole lotta bills.

Well, whose fault is that?

Because you asked

for this divorce

and you are the one who

created these bills, all right?

Am I lying?

Where's the lie?

Tell me I'm lyin'.

Dalton, you either go upstairs

and be with our daughter

or get out!

But get out of my face!

You ain't right, girl.

No, you ain't right

for this, girl.

Ooh! Ooh, I hate him!

Oh, what am I gonna do?

Come in, sweetie.

This is the form I need you

to fill out for gymnastics.

The money's due December 14th

and Ms. Sherman's holding

the last spot for me

and she's doing me

a huge solid here.

Where are these

classes held again?

At the center she

runs with her sister.

I think it's up north

somewhere. I have the info.

Hm.

Oh, and don't worry about

the price that's listed.

Remember she's

giving me a discount.

Yeah, 300 instead of 450.

I need to get into this racket.

Mom.

Sorry.

Remember if you

can't pay for it,

I'm sure Dad can do it.

I'm sure.

Well, he also said he has

an account set up for me

for whenever I need it.

He told you that?

Yeah. Is he

lying or something?

I wouldn't know. I don't

control your father's money.

Well, he said I can use

it whenever I need it.

So might as well use it.

Enough about your

father's deep pockets, okay?

Understood.

Not trying to be all

in your business,

but why was there so much school

stuff in your car earlier?

It's just extra stuff I

don't need in the classroom.

Decided to store it there.

Okay. Gotcha.

You need to go to bed.

We have an early morning.

What, why? Tomorrow's Saturday.

Yeah, we're setting

up the food pantry

at the new church, remember?

This'll be great for the

church and the community.

Um, I'm so sorry,

but I totally forgot to tell you

that I'm doing breakfast

tomorrow with Dad

so he can help me

with my algebra

and yeah, can I make

it up to you, please?

Sure.

Thank you, Mom, good night.

Fine.

Well, things are

really looking good here

at the food pantry.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

I really enjoy doing this.

And you are?

Oh, sorry. I'm Noel Preston.

Pastor Preston.

Oh! Oh my goodness.

It's an honor to meet you.

Thank you for allowing me

to do this for your church.

Oh no, no, no, no.

When you contacted

us about doing this,

trust me, we were

the ones blessed.

It's important to bless others

when we're in a

position to do so.

Yeah?

Amen, sister.

Amen.

Well, I guess I should

let you get back to work

as I have some work to

do myself.

As I will down the

hall in my office

if you need me.

Okay.

You have a great

rest of your day.

Thanks. You too.

Hey.

Hey.

Your dad help you

with your homework?

He sure did. Dad's awesome.

I really miss us.

I know, baby, but for now we

need to detangle these lights

so we can get up

in the backyard.

Mom?

- Hm?

- I really miss us.

Especially during Christmastime.

Not spending Christmas

together as a family

is gonna be different.

Like I don't even

know how to do that.

I know, baby,

but we just have to learn

how to deal with that.

But do we really?

Mom, I wanna spend Christmas

together as a family,

even though we aren't.

I know it's the one thing

I want for Christmas.

What if your dad

isn't available?

How could he not be

available for Christmas for me?

How could you not wanna do this?

I want my family for Christmas.

It'd be the bestest gift ever.

Hm.

We'll see.

But for now let's get

the yard decorated

so we can have a festive

atmosphere around here.

Need more lights.

Okay.

What child doesn't want

their parents together

for Christmas?

Oh.

Oh.

Still works.

Dalton bought this for

me when Esta was born.

Oh.

Hey, Dalton.

Hey.

You got time to talk?

What about?

You know, holiday plans,

you know, since

it's the first year

we won't be together and all.

Yeah, well maybe we should.

Oh really, we should?

Esta mentioned it to me

and maybe we should hang

out with her for her sake.

Okay.

That sounds cool to me.

I, um, I'll hit

you back later.

I'm kind of in the

middle of something.

Yeah, okay.

Cool. We'll just

talk about it later.

Okay. Bye.

Good morning, Mom.

Good morning.

I just need

something quick to take

because Shayda's mom is

on her way to pick me up.

That's fine.

You're not even

gonna warm it up?

Nah, I'm good.

Why are you still here here?

Usually leave before me.

I just have something

to take care of

before work, so yeah.

Okay.

Oh, Shayda's here.

Gotta go, Mom. Bye.

Bye.

Love you.

Love you too.

Be good.

I will.

Okay.

It's December 10th.

Got laid off on Friday.

So that means I

get one more check.

Hm.

Ooh.

Hey, good morning.

Good morning to you.

What's that? I'll

get that for you.

- Thanks.

- All right.

Uh, what brings

you here so early?

I called to check in

and they said Mr. Joe

was sneaking cans of

corn out under his shirt.

I said, let him take the corn.

I'll bring some more.

Of course, that's what

we're here for, right?

Yeah.

So, what do you

do during the day?

I teach at a

school, but not today.

Crazy situation.

Well, you wanna

tell me about it?

I'm good with counseling people.

I do it for a living.

I, I don't think I

need counseling, Pastor.

I just need to stay

busy to keep my mind

off of certain things.

Okay, okay.

I totally understand.

I mean, I know what

you're going through.

I don't think you know what

I'm going through, Pastor.

Listen, you have

the power to fix

whatever it is that's

troubling you at the moment.

Just find it within yourself.

Oh no, I got it.

Just gotta find another job

before the little genius

figures out anything.

Oh, Mom, you're home.

Yeah. Been home

about five, 10 minutes.

You musta flew outta

work when the kids left.

I guess so. How was school?

It was school.

Remember that Secret Santa

I was telling you about?

Well, that's happening.

The class agreed on spending

no more than $20 on a gift.

$20?

When I did it, it was five.

Some kids wanted

it to be a hundred.

What kinda jobs

do these kids have?

Oh, and Ms. Sherman asked

about the money for gymnastics.

She wanted to know if

I was still interested.

I told her yeah.

Just waiting on you to

hand over some money.

I'll get it. We have time.

Okay.

I'm gonna go start

doing my math project.

Oh. Need help?

No. Dad's the math whiz.

I'm good.

Dad's the math whiz.

Finance whiz. Secret

handshake whiz.

Might as well knight

him Sir Dalton McKenzie.

Hey, Dad.

What are you doing

tomorrow after school?

Um, I wanna go over

there and talk to you.

Bye.

Pasta. You cool with that?

Yeah.

I'm gonna hang out

with my dad tomorrow.

You cool with that?

Why?

Because I wanna

spend time with him.

Is there a problem?

Nope.

Cool.

"I wanna spend time with

him. Is there a problem?"

Dalton said you were

supposed to be good luck.

Right now you just feel

like a hoodoo doll.

Everything that could

go wrong is going wrong.

So...

I need you

to be good luck.

Come on in, baby.

Come on.

Dad, your tree is naked.

I know.

I just picked it up yesterday.

I knew you was coming

so I figured we could

decorate it together.

Excellent.

What's wrong, baby girl?

I gotta talk to you, Dad.

About what? What's the matter.

I wanna join gymnastics,

but I asked Mom to pay for it

and she isn't giving

me the money yet.

Oh, so now you just coming

to ask me for the money, right?

Well, yeah. You are my dad.

Plus I just don't think that Mom

has the money for it right now.

She's always talk about

paying the bills first.

Mama's become, I don't

know, weird about money.

All right, but, you

gotta understand now

she's the head of the household

over there now, you know.

And it's not easy.

So you gotta cut

her a little slack.

I guess.

It's just gymnastics, right?

Well, why don't you just

give me the money instead?

It's only $300.

$300? For gymnastics?

It's for a private class.

Anyway, let's talk

about something else.

Well okay, I don't blame her.

I can teach you how to

flip. You know that, right?

Well, look, what

about Christmas?

Mom said she would

actually be fine

with the idea of us bringing

in Christmas together

as a family.

Really? Are you?

Yeah. Of course I am.

I get to be with my baby

girl. What do you think?

What about seeing Mom?

I mean,

that'd be nice too I guess.

You guys trip me out.

Where's all this talk...

Where's this coming

from, little girl.

You two. I don't get why

y'all are not together.

Can you explain it?

There's a lotta

details that happened

between me and your mom, okay?

But you don't need

to know all that

because you're too young anyway.

Well, tell me this.

Do you wish it never happened?

Come here.

To me when it comes to your mom,

there's a lotta things that

I wish didn't happen, okay?

I told Mom

that I wanted to spend

Christmas together

but that's not the

only thing I want.

I want us back together

as a family, Dad.

Do you ever feel like that?

Yeah, of course I do.

Look, I never wanted any of

this separate holiday stuff.

I mean, it's weird.

You know, you got a tree at

your mom's house, a tree here.

This is never what

I wanted for us.

Then fix it.

I can't. I mean,

it's not all on me.

It's your mom, and

you know your mom.

She gets what she wants.

And I guess this

is what she wanted.

Let's just say it's time

that we get what we want,

our family back together.

Yeah.

Look, you're doing

all this talking.

Are you gonna help me

with this tree or not?

I need you to get

it pretty for me

'cause I'm not gonna

do it by myself.

- Okay, okay, Dad.

- Come on.

I'm gonna go

upstairs and change clothes.

Good.

Yeah I can't wait to eat it.

It better be good.

Well, it's about time.

Hey, Mom, we brought dinner.

Dinner's cooking.

You should've called and told

me if you were bringing food.

Come on, Roz. It's just food.

It's always

something with you.

Mom, come on.

Esta, go upstairs.

Bye.

Really? Was all that

really necessary?

Is it necessary for you

to bring her home late?

Roz, it's only eight o'clock.

She has school tomorrow.

Well, she's already

done her homework

and I know it's right,

because I helped her,

so why are you tripping?

Are you finished?

No, actually I'm not.

She tells me that you can't

buy some of the things

that she needs.

- What?

- Yeah.

You having financial

issues again?

If I am having

financial issues again,

it's because you're refusing

to pay child support.

So, which is it?

You can pay for the

things she needs

or you can't because

I won't give you

your little child support money?

It's both.

I can hold things down here,

but you gotta take

care of your daughter.

Whoa, whoa. I take

care of my daughter

and I will get her

whatever she needs, okay?

- Good.

- Yeah. Good.

I just don't think I need to be

on child support right now.

Well, I do and that's that

so let's get up on outta here.

Come on.

Really?

After you.

Wow.

Is all this really necessary?

Yep.

Okay.

Cute. Real cute.

And I will drop her off

after we have our breakfast

on Christmas morning.

No, no, no.

Esta thinks that we're

spending Christmas together

as a family.

She's already excited

about it. Come on.

She'll get over it.

Wow.

Hurry up.

You got no right

telling your father

I can't pay for anything.

Mom, I didn't tell him that.

Whatever you told him,

don't do it anymore.

How dare you literally

give him the a*mo

to use against me.

I...

Oh. Hey.

Hi. Looking good.

Thanks.

You care to sit?

Sure.

It's been a weird

couple of weeks.

Lost a job that I loved.

Like it feels

like everything is coming

down on me at once.

Like life is just

tough in general.

Until I come here.

I always feel

better when I leave.

It's, it's the spirit

of Christmas.

And this building.

It brings a lot of joy

for a lot of people.

Well, I have some work

to do in the pantry.

So I'm gonna get started-

Mrs. Roz McKenzie.

Miss Roz McKenzie.

Please, forgive me,

Miss Roz McKenzie.

Things are gonna

get better for you.

I know it's all gonna work

out and if you need anything

and I do mean anything,

I'll be around.

I'll keep that in mind.

Oh, you're in a good mood.

I suppose so.

Breakfast?

No thanks. You know

what's in the bag.

Oh.

Hey, I wanna apologize

for the other day.

I shouldn't have snapped

at you and I'm sorry.

It's cool, Mom.

Don't be late.

Oh.

Love you, Mom.

I love you too.

You look so cute.

Thank you.

I'm a great shopper.

Miss McKenzie,

you could come in.

Okay. Hi.

Thank you so much.

You sure you

don't need a ride?

Nah, my mom's on her way.

Where's your mom been?

What do you mean, at work?

Nope, my sister

goes to the school

that your mom works at.

Yeah, I know.

Your mom ain't been

there in like a week.

Wait, what?

She's up every morning

cooking breakfast and-

- Your mom's classes were split

with the other

second grade class.

Oh, your mom's coming

up. See you tomorrow.

Got your popcorn.

Yay!

You know, Shayda told me

something that blew my mind.

Let's talk.

You know she has

a little sister

that goes to your school, right?

She says that you haven't

been there in a week.

Hm.

Isn't that crazy?

She says that your

class got split

into other second grade classes.

Mom, isn't Shayda wrong?

Right?

Esta, I did not want

you to find out this way.

Mom, why aren't you at school?

What's going on?

I got laid off.

What? When?

Last Friday.

But you're up every morning

dressed like you're

going to work.

Where have you been going?

I've been going on interviews

and helping out at

the food pantry.

Wow, Mom.

Let me start

from the beginning.

Remember when you asked why

I had all the classroom stuff

in my car?

Yeah.

You said that you had to

bring home some extra stuff.

It wasn't extra stuff.

That was the day I got laid off.

No, no, no, no, no.

They can't do that to you.

You're a first year teacher.

They said they didn't

have enough students

to justify keeping

my position open.

But they did when

you first got it.

Why is it different now?

I don't know, baby.

It's just the, the drama of

working in public education.

You're so calm about this.

- Mm.

- How?

Well, I have to be, or

else I would be worrying

and, and it would rub off

on you and you'd be worrying

like you are now.

It's gonna be okay, baby.

We'll get through this. I

even had an interview today.

And how did that go?

It went really well.

It went great.

Haven't heard back

from the principal yet,

but I should hear

something soon.

Oh.

Cry.

Do you really

believe that, Mom?

Do you really believe

that we're just fine?

Do you really just tell

yourself that at night

and actually believe it?

Esta.

Esta, I have to.

I have to.

Or else I'd be worrying about,

about food and bills

and things that we need

and it'll be okay.

We've gotta stay

positive about this.

All right?

No wonder why you

couldn't pay for the gymnastics.

I feel awful stressing

you about it.

No, no.

No, you deserve to

do what you want.

And if you really wanna

take those classes,

I'm okay with you

asking your dad.

I know he won't have a

problem giving it to you.

Really?

Yeah.

Yes, dry those tears.

Okay.

I'll go call him.

Why don't you do that.

Hey, Mom.

- Hey.

- Wanna take me

to school today?

Uh, I can if you need me to.

Oh, I'm just messing with you.

I have a ride.

What are you gonna be up to?

Oh, stuff.

Maybe plan out our

Christmas breakfast menu.

Search for a little present.

Mom. I don't want anything.

Honey, yes, you do.

Okay, I want what

I told you before

about our family.

But don't spend any money.

Sweetie, I put a

little something aside

for Christmas gifts, okay, Love?

We don't have to

worry about that.

Mom, yes we do.

You have to keep your

money for the real things.

Don't you ever worry

about running out?

You let me worry

about the finances

and you handle school, okay?

Okay.

Oh, Shayda's outside.

- Oh.

- I'll see you later, Mom.

- Okay.

- Bye.

Bye, honey. Have a good day.

You too.

Messing up my hard work?

Oh. No.

Hi, Pastor.

Hi.

Christmas is just days away.

Yes, indeed it is.

Time flies too quickly.

Ah, so what's going on?

Same crap.

Life.

Uh...

Feel like I'm on a

hamster wheel sometimes

just running in place.

Do hamster wheels

ever go backwards?

Sure feels like it.

You know I got laid off

from my job last week.

And I've been

trying to interview

for other teaching positions.

I even had one on Friday.

Yeah.

I thought it went great.

Thought for sure I'd get it.

Then I get word this morning

that they went

with someone else.

Oh.

So I just don't know.

Yeah, well, getting laid off.

Unfortunately I know about that.

I was laid off my first

year in education.

You were in education?

Yeah. I was a teacher

for 10 years.

I had third grade my first year

and yeah, I got laid off,

you know, budget cuts.

Then I got hired

at another school

and had a fifth

grade for nine years.

I would've never guessed.

Oh, well, I kinda

stumbled into it.

My mother was a teacher

so I think I just

stayed on that path.

I, um, it was hard for me too,

after they laid me off,

so I started to question

if education was my calling

and started focusing

on the philanthropy

and ministry work.

You know, the summer

they laid me off

I really started to struggle

with wanting to

open my own church,

being a minister or yes,

going back to education.

I take it you chose ministry?

No, actually both.

Manage all my mission work

and I didn't wanna

stop helping people.

Think I went back to teaching

because of that and

wanted to help children

and keep them on the right path.

Yeah.

I miss working so much.

Just too much time

to spin out of control

especially emotionally.

Yeah.

I've gotta keep a cool

head for my, my daughter.

Don't want her absorbing

all this energy,

but it's getting harder.

Well, I can only imagine.

Does she know?

Uh, she found out before

I could break it to her.

Oh. No, how?

One of her nosy little friends

told her everything.

Oh, it's gonna take

time, but it will work out.

It'll work out?

- Yes.

- How?

How?

I've got a teenage daughter

who needs things,

lots of things.

Legal fees, the ghosts

of student loans past.

Pastor Noel, it's

expensive to breathe.

Okay, Roz, I get it.

We've all been there.

But maybe you're looking

at this all the wrong way.

My eyes don't deceive me

when I open up the mail.

Yeah, but your

focus on how fast

you need to get another

job might be wrong.

Look, sometimes we

need to lose something

to truly figure out what and

who we need in our lives.

Good things are gonna

happen for you though.

- Daddy, oh my god, come in!

- Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa.

- Come in!

- Hey!

I got your message,

why are you rushing me

over here like this?

- Because Mom's not home.

- So?

Come on. I gotta talk to you.

Come here!

Oh ooh.

Okay, baby girl,

tell me what's going on.

You in trouble or something?

No, Dad, gosh.

Then what is it?

I need money for

teenager things.

Money?

You coulda called me and

told me that over the phone.

It's better to

happen in person

because it's gotta happen

before Mom comes home.

Why are you so worried

about Mom coming home?

I need $2,000.

$2,000?

Girl, you talking crazy.

You're too young to be

asking for money like that.

What you need, bail

money or something?

You said you have an

account set up for me

for whenever I need things,

and well, I need things.

$2,000 worth of things?

Uh uh.

No, no, don't you try to hit

me with the big eyes trick.

I'm not giving you $2,000

unless you tell me

what's going on.

Mom lost her job.

What?

No.

A friend told

me, but it's true.

A few weeks ago.

I mean, who fires

someone before Christmas?

Wait, so you saying

she's been out of

work for weeks?

Yeah, but you can't

tell her that I told you.

Just gimme the money

to give to her, okay?

2000 bucks?

And then what?

You don't even get an allowance.

Where you gonna magically

get $2,000 from?

She's struggling, Dad.

You guys barely even talk

so she ain't gonna ask you.

This is the only way.

All right, wait,

look, calm down, okay?

I'll handle it. Just

let me handle it.

No, no. You can't tell her.

It's okay, if

she says something,

I'll take the heat for it.

Don't worry about it, all right?

Okay, look, I'm gonna go

talk to her, all right?

Calm down.

Just finish your work.

Stop stressing out.

You're too young

for that, all right?

Dalton, what are you

doing in my house again?

Esta let you in?

Yeah, she did.

She's home early.

She is. What about you?

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Just long day.

Tired and hungry.

At work, right?

Why? You don't care.

Come on.

You know that I care.

Just can't turn feelings

off for somebody,

especially after 14

years of marriage.

No? Try.

Try.

So work, you said it

was crazy today, right?

The usual, but I'm good.

'Cause it's funny,

'cause I called

your school today.

I wanted to talk

to you about Esta.

She okay?

Esta is fine.

But they told me that

you weren't there today.

So?

So?

I don't feel like playing

games with you, Dalton.

Well, I don't feel

like playing games

with you either, Roz.

Come on. I know you

got laid off of work.

Who told you

that? It's not true.

Are you, are you

gonna do this right now?

Come on.

So you're gonna sit

up here and lie to me?

Talk to me, tell

me what's going on.

Fine.

I got laid off a few weeks ago

and I've been lying

about going to work.

There. You happy?

So go ahead.

Talk your trash, make your

insults, go right ahead.

Roz, I don't wanna insult you.

I'm not gonna talk

trash about you.

- That's hard to believe.

- Why do you think

I wanna do that?

Roz, can you just cut

the tough girl act out

for one second and let me

know what's going on with you?

You don't have to do

everything alone, okay?

You're not superwoman.

Stop it.

Are you serious right now?

Yeah, I'm serious.

No, Dalton, I know you

and you love to be right.

Come on. Roz.

Listen, I'm serious, okay?

To lose your job

the way that you did

right before Christmas,

I know this has to be

hard on you, all right,

so just let me

know what you need.

Dalton, I don't

want your pity.

I can handle this. I'll

find another job in no time.

Then why haven't

you found one yet?

I've been looking.

But I can handle this on my own.

That's the point. It's

not about you, all right?

Look at me.

Esta's involved, okay?

And that little girl is

worried sick about you.

She's too young to be

stressing out like this.

And she doesn't need to see

you scrapping and fighting

trying to get things

together before Christmas.

I don't wanna see that either.

And regardless if you

believe me or not,

you don't have to do

everything on your own, okay?

So if you're not gonna

do it for yourself,

then please at least

do it for Esta.

No.

Nope. I don't want your money

and I want you out of my house.

Roz, come on.

No, Dalton.

Get out.

Can we please not

do this right now?

Oh, we're not

doing this right now.

Take your coat.

Get out.

Regardless of how you feel,

the offer still stands.

I wanna help you.

Goodbye.

Esta!

Where's Dad.

I threw him out.

Mom, why? He can help us.

Somehow he knows

I got laid off.

He said he called the school

looking for you today,

but I don't think that's true.

I told him, okay?

Esta, why?

Mom, he can help us.

Even if it's for a short time,

he can help us.

Dad won't care.

He's not trying to be mean

or trying to show off.

He's just trying

to take care of us

until you get back on your feet.

Mom, you gotta let him help us.

Please.

Gotta think about,

this young lady.

But right now we need

to have a sit down

about what happens in this

house stays in this house.

Come on. Go.

Roz.

What happened?

Talk to me.

Yesterday was not good.

He knows.

About what, your

job situation?

Yep.

How? Did you tell him?

No, my daughter did.

I see.

Are you okay with that?

No, I'm not okay with that.

I understand why she did it.

She's always worried

about me, us,

concerned about

what might happen,

but I can't help but

feel like I'm living

with a little mole.

Mole? Why?

Because he's my ex-husband.

He doesn't need to

know everything.

Hello, boundaries.

Yeah, but whatever

you're going through

affects him because

of your daughter.

Don't you think he

has a right to know?

No, it's not his business.

And, and, and get this,

he wants to help me.

My ex-husband wants to help me.

Can you believe that?

Wait a minute, Roz.

What is so wrong with that?

Why would he

wanna do that, huh?

Maybe because he cares.

He doesn't wanna see

you in a bad situation.

Oh, please.

He wants to stick it to me.

That's what he wants to do.

Wants to make it

seem like I can't,

I can't make it without

him, Mr. Auditor.

Why do you think the only way

he wants to help

you is financially?

How else would he help me?

Emotional support.

Huh? Being there

for you and Esta?

Maybe, maybe he just

wants to be in your corner

while you're going through this.

Nope.

No, he wants me to feel bad.

He wants to swoop

in like a savior.

He's been doing that the last

few years of our marriage.

I'm not gonna give him that

satisfaction, not anymore.

Seems like you resent

him as a provider.

What?

No.

No, he always tried

to make it seem

like I was wasteful and reckless

and he had to save me with

another balance transfer.

No, not anymore.

- You know what?

- Done.

With all due respect, Roz,

I think you have a few hangups

and perhaps some projections

that come from your own actions.

What if you are looking at this

through the wrong lens?

I have 20/20 vision, Pastor.

With all due respect.

Look, your husband is

being concerned about you.

And he just wants to help

and it seems to me with

no strings attached.

Why would he do that?

Hm?

Because he still cares.

And he loves you.

And deep down I know

you know that I'm right.

If he didn't have

these feelings for you,

then he wouldn't have offered

to help you in any way.

Now, even you can admit that.

Yes?

All right.

All right, all right.

You don't have to

admit it, but, Roz,

don't be ashamed to

accept help from him.

Sometimes we have to

realize that not everyone

has an ulterior motive or

are out to stick it to us.

Think about it.

If the people who came

in here to get food

from this pantry were

too proud and too ashamed

to accept help from anyone,

they'd be out there

on the streets

doing God knows what

trying to survive.

Sometimes you have to just

let go of being proud.

Talk to him.

And just talk to him

and see what help

he'll truly offer.

Roz, look at me.

Look at me.

You need this.

Hey.

May I come in?

- Yeah.

- I'd like to talk.

I mean, you wanna

take your coat off or-

- Uh, I don't know.

Not, not yet.

Right now I just

need you to listen.

Can you do that?

Yeah, I'm listening.

Okay.

First I just want to apologize

for how I reacted the other day.

For which part?

A good part of it.

But you gotta understand this.

How, how much it

might sting for my ex

to see me down and out.

I wouldn't feel no

type of way about that.

Yeah right.

All right, maybe I would

just a little or something,

but I wanna apologize too.

'Cause I'm sorry for the

way that I came at you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

I just didn't want

you to know.

Didn't want anyone to

know, Esta included.

That's my point.

Why would you even wanna

go through all that,

you know, alone when

you don't have to?

You gotta understand this.

I need to go through this alone.

I can't have you bailing me

out of another financial jam.

God knows I didn't care for it

when we were married, Dalton.

Is this some type of insult?

Does it sound like one?

Yeah, when you

say it like that.

Listen, you have to understand,

I didn't get you out

of financial jams

because I was trying

to belittle you

or make you feel like

less of a person.

I did it because

I care about you.

You're my wife.

I mean, my family.

I am supposed to

take care of you.

All right, I know I am,

I was, you were my wife.

Okay?

But it made me feel

so small, Dalton.

Like, like you didn't trust me

to handle any

responsibility for anything.

Do you know, my dad used

to give me an allowance

and then hold it and

then ration it out.

Why would you give

someone something

if you're just gonna

control it, hm?

Yeah.

It was like he

didn't even trust me.

And all I wanted

was some ice cream.

You didn't trust

me either, Dalton.

Admit it.

Well...

Not gonna admit that,

but I will admit

that I let my business rollover

into our marriage a little bit.

Yeah, Mr. Auditor.

So way to

go. Auditor.

Oh my gosh, I married my dad.

Wait, whoa, whoa.

Slow down now.

No, no, no.

You know what I mean

in a child psychology sense.

Oh, right.

But with you, it felt

like I wed the entire IRS.

The IRS, right?

At least the reception

was a little exciting.

Not one of your

people had any rhythm.

Not an ounce.

So are you telling me

you didn't want me to find out

about you losing your job

because you thought

I was gonna treat you

like a spreadsheet?

That, yeah.

And it just, it's not

your business, Dalton.

It's none of my business?

No.

Look, I need a drink

'cause you stressing me out.

I need a drink too, 'cause

you're stressing me out.

Well, I guess we

gonna be drinking.

It's none of your business?

Did you forget

about that little beautiful,

brown, big-eyed girl

that we have together?

She is my business, okay?

You losing your job affects her.

So in turn, that

affects me, okay?

You missing out on checks,

next thing you know

you out on the street

with my daughter?

Uh uh.

I don't care what

we got going on,

the past or whatever,

we're here right now.

And you have to understand

something about me.

I will never let that happen.

I understand that about you,

but you have to understand

why you have to at least

let me try to handle this.

You will handle it.

You'll get another position.

Come on.

I've seen you struggle before

but I also seen you

reach all your goals.

Just like you made

it through school

when I was hitting you up

and all over your line.

Yeah.

So you'll get it done,

but in the meantime-

- You still wanna help me?

Yeah. I do.

Christmas is in what, nine days?

Not 'bout to have our

daughter stressing out

over me and you

and our problems.

Why can't you stop being

so proud for one minute?

I'm not being proud.

I'm being cautious.

Cautious? Cautious for what?

What are you being

cautious for? Don't.

Why can't you just take it as a,

a genuine offer, you know?

Good guy in the

spirit of Christmas.

Does that work for you?

Please, just take it

as a genuine offer

'cause I don't want anything

from you in return, all right?

All right, I'm lying.

I do want something

from you in return.

What's that?

Can you please just not see

this as a rescue operation

and acknowledged the only reason

why I'm doing this

is because I still

really care about you.

Okay.

Okay. Deal.

Deal.

I um, I really

appreciate this.

Don't worry about it.

And I promise

I'll pay you back.

You don't have to

pay anything back.

You know the account we opened

for the house in emergencies?

You can just pull

the money from there.

You didn't scoop your

portion out right away?

'Cause I did.

Trust me, I know you did.

And no, the money

is still there.

I left it for emergencies

for Esta and you.

Good on you.

- Yeah.

- Wow.

Speaking of Esta,

what are you getting

that girl for Christmas?

I asked her what she

wanted the other day

and she said she didn't

want anything I had to buy.

However, she did

mention one thing.

She wanted us to be-

- Back together-

- For the holidays, right.

- Yeah. Mm hm.

That's our baby girl.

Yep.

Do you know when

you got laid off,

she asked me for $2,000.

She said it was for

personal things.

Really?

Really.

She was gonna take

all of that money

and she was gonna

give it to you.

Hm.

She's something else.

Yes. She is something else.

Just like her mother.

You know what?

Maybe we can give her what

she wants for Christmas.

Maybe we can spend time

together as a family.

Maybe you're right.

She's a good girl.

Right.

We certainly put her through

the ringer with our issues.

I think that'll,

that'll be just fine.

I think it'll be great.

I should go.

Yeah.

Gonna rush out, bad?

You know, I gotta go do

something about my life.

You sure?

Yeah.

And, and, and you

know, whatever I use,

I'll put back.

You don't owe

me anything, Roz.

Yeah, and, and I'll call you

and figure out where

we spend Christmas.

Hm. I really appreciate that.

Hm. Okay.

I guess I should get outta here.

Okay, talk to you later. Bye.

Yeah.

Wah hoo!

Mom.

I went to see your dad.

Really? Uh oh.

Don't worry.

It wasn't bad.

I apologized to him.

Say what?

Yeah.

And he told me about the

$2,000 you asked for.

You're crazy for that.

But thank you.

You're welcome, Mom.

So are you gonna

let Dad help us?

I am.

Really? So we don't

have to struggle anymore.

What did I tell you

about that word struggle?

We just hit a bumpy patch.

He's gonna help smooth it

out a bit, temporarily.

See, Dad isn't so bad.

I never said he

was, not to you.

You know, Mom, he

still cares about you.

Do you know that?

He said something like that.

Do you still care about him?

All you need to know, my dear,

is that our Christmas

plans are back on track.

Yep.

We're gonna spend Christmas

together like a family.

Just like you asked.

Because we still

are a family, Mom.

It doesn't matter if

you guys split up.

Which, why did you

guys split up again?

Why did we split up?

Hm.

Y'all just need

to get it together.

You just need to stay

out of grown folks' business.

Yes! Go Dad!

Hello?

Yes, this is Roz McKenzie.

Oh no. It's not too late.

Tomorrow.

Yeah. 1:15?

I'll see you then.

Woo!

Oh my gosh,

Mom, what's going on?

I just got a job interview

for tomorrow, baby.

For real?

Yes, for real.

Oh, Esta, I feel like

this could be it.

It has to be.

I really hope you get it, Mom.

Me too.

What should you wear?

I gotta find something

to really wow this

principal for tomorrow.

Oh, I...

Which one?

The black blazer is fine.

Yep.

Well, Roz, it's

been a pleasure

spending this time

with you today.

You'll hear from us one

way or the other, okay?

Okay. Sounds good.

But, you know what, wait.

Let me show you around.

I'd love to see the school.

Well, thank you, Sophie.

Oh, we'll get back with you.

Hello, Pastor.

Roz, hello.

Wow, you look so much

more happier today.

That's because for

once I really am.

I just came from an

incredible job interview,

second graders, right before

they turn into gremlins.

Oh, that is good, Roz.

You know that position

is yours. Accept it.

Oh, the principal said

she had one more interview

to do that day and

she'll let me know

first thing tomorrow morning.

Yeah, well, she's

going to hire you.

How can you be so sure?

I just know.

Thank you.

You know, feels odd when

I'm in your presence,

almost like you know me

and what's going to

happen in my life.

Ah.

You a psychic?

No.

No, no, I just think that if

it's the right thing for you,

then it'll happen.

I mean, look at me, I am a

testament to that statement.

Yeah.

By the way, how things

go with you and Dalton?

Oh, we worked

out the help thing.

I'm going to accept his offer.

Not gonna fuss about it.

Because he still

cares deeply for you?

You ever wonder why the

two of you got a divorce

when you clearly

still love each other?

How do you know these things?

I mean, love is love, right?

Well, I guess so.

Honestly, sometimes I do

wonder about the divorce

and if I acted too hastily.

I don't know.

Ah, yes, you did.

But it's okay.

He gets it now and so do you.

Now after you work

out the budget

and figure out which of the

finances are a priority,

you will develop a tool

to be more savvy

with your finances.

You might be on

to something there.

What do you know about that job

I just interviewed for?

Only that it's yours.

Hm. Time for

another grocery run.

Mom, your phone

keeps vibrating.

Someone must really trying

to get in contact with you.

Whoa, these are

school system numbers.

Two? Go, Mom.

Good

morning, Ms. McKenzie.

This is Ms. Mosley calling

on behalf of Mrs. Austin.

If you have not accepted

another position,

she was wondering

if you would like

to return to work.

Mom, you got your job back!

Whoa.

That is unexpected.

Sure is.

I mean, they put you

all through this mess

only to want you back.

Who does that?

Shh, shh, there's another one.

Hello, Mrs. McKenzie.

This is Miss Miller

calling you back

in regards to the interview.

After reviewing all of

the other candidates,

it would be my honor to

offer you the position.

Oh my gosh!

- Oh!

- If you could call me

back today, it would

be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. And I hope to

hear from you very soon.

Oh my gosh, Mom, you got

two jobs to choose from.

Whoa. What are you gonna doing?

I'm gonna sit down

before I pass out.

So Mom, we don't have

to worry anymore, right?

We can just enjoy our Christmas

and you don't have to

stress about finding a job.

Esta, this is

the best news ever.

Right?

And well, if I had

to make the decision,

I already know what

I would choose.

Oh yeah?

It's not easy for you?

Well, it's 50/50, maybe 90/10.

Do I wanna go back to a

school that laid me off?

That principal didn't

even have the decency

to tell me to my face.

Oh, are you serious?

She left a note in my mailbox.

Wow. That's cold.

That school would

never see my face again

unless I was truly desperate.

And we are never

desperate, honey.

You're not even gonna toast it?

Nope.

Let me call them back

before they give my job away.

Yep.

Hi, Principal Miller please.

Hi, this is Roz McKenzie.

Miss Miller, about

that job offer.

I absolutely accept.

Oh, sure.

See you soon.

Bye.

Oh.

Ah, hello, Roz.

How do you do that?

Ah, it's just

a little trick I learned

over the years.

It's for you.

Oh.

Thanks for the gift.

It's my pleasure.

You're welcome.

Oh, you are so different now.

Hm.

You're in a better place.

You got that right.

I got the job.

Oh, I knew you would.

You know what's crazy

is that I wanted to cry

today I was so happy,

but I contained myself.

Feels great to be back.

Yeah. I am so

happy for you, Roz.

The crazy thing is,

is that the clerk from my old

school called the same day

the new principal called.

They wanna give me

my old job back.

I'm not going back to

a place that let me go.

- I'm glad.

- Yeah.

I told you that if it's

meant to be you'll get it.

You sure did.

Does this mean

I'm not gonna see you

around here anymore?

Oh, no.

No, I definitely wanna continue

my volunteer work here.

I wanna help you

continue this pantry

throughout the whole year.

Oh, that's perfect.

I love it.

You gotta meet

my daughter too.

That would be nice.

Does she and your ex know

about your great news?

Esta definitely knows.

Haven't told Dalton

yet, but I will tonight.

Excellent.

Well, in case I

don't see you again,

I wanna wish you

and your daughter

and your husband

a Merry Christmas.

Husband?

No, Pastor, you

will see me again.

I told you that.

Merry Christmas to you too.

Well, off to the next person

who needs a friend.

I may be

turning into Miss Auditor.

Ah. Yep.

I can do this.

Still allergic to

hats and gloves I see.

Ha, you got all the jokes.

Can I come in?

- Come on in.

- It's cold.

So where's Esta?

She's upstairs, but I need

to talk to you alone first.

What's up?

Come on.

Online with all of her friends

I had to upgrade my internet

service because of her.

Oh, Lord.

For starters, I got the job!

Wait, what?

I mean that's great.

When did that happen?

Oh, quickly.

I saw the post online,

applied on Monday,

hired on Tuesday.

How awesome is that?

It's awesome. I'm

really happy for you.

Thank you.

And I thought we might revisit

the child support issue.

Come on, do we have to?

I mean, I kinda

thought we progressed,

and, you know, it was moving

in a positive direction.

Why? Because

you hit me with a,

"You can stay over if you want"?

No, I mean, you know, that

was a spur of the moment thing,

but also yeah, come on.

Oh.

Anyway, I was thinking

we might be at a point

where we can handle

things on our own.

- Okay.

- Maybe put

the legal stuff on hold.

Just keep your word about

being there for her.

I'm always gonna be there

for both of my ladies.

Maybe now we can get in

those gymnastic classes.

- Yeah.

- Yeah that'll make her happy.

She would love that.

And for Christmas I was thinking

you could spend it over here.

Really?

Yeah, with us.

Dalton, I...

I can honestly say

that I miss you

and I miss us.

Well, that's the best

news that I've gotten

in a long time.

'Cause I miss you.

And I miss my family.

Then it's set.

Wanna stay for dinner?

Dad? Is that you?

Yeah, it's me, baby girl.

Just let me know

when it's ready.

I, I was thinking

maybe we can hang

out first alone.

Yeah. He'll be up in a second.

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you, Dad,

for one of the greatest

gifts of my life.

You're welcome, sweetie.

Merry Christmas, Roz.

Merry Christmas, Dalton.

Merry Christmas.