01x03 - Good Mother

[bunniefuu]

Previously on

Beyond Black Beauty

Baltimore is our new home.

So, while I go look for a job,

you're going to school today.

Yo, my hand's empty,

and you heard what happens

when you're late.

Look,

just steer clear of

her. I pay Serena

to leave me alone.

I'm not the only one.

- Good to meet you, cuz.

- Cuz?

My mom doesn't like the company

he keeps.

You got some

cowgirl in you, huh?

I'm an Olympian

in training.

I just need to get back

in the saddle and back to work.

Beauty can't be trained.

Maybe she just needs

someone who understands her.

Your father, he committed fraud.

We had to sell everything.

Mm, that's my girl.

Not so bad.

Not so bad.

There you go. See?

You might be ready for a saddle.

Hello?

Can you hear me?

Mm-hmm.

- How can I be your hero today?

- Shut up.

Nah, for real though,

what's up?

Serena.-She still dogging you, huh?

- You want me to handle it?

- No.

I don't want you getting

into any trouble on my account.

And I don't want you getting

into any trouble, period.

So you know what you gotta do.

I'm not telling Mom.

Yeah, well, she'll shut it down.

She has plenty to worry about,

I can't be another thing.

So, how do I handle this myself?

All right. Look

I know Serenas.

So you gotta meet her at her

own level. Know what I mean?

End this,

once and for all.

It's gotta be big

and it's gotta

be public, so that

her and everyone else knows

not to mess with you.

Right. -Hey!

Come on, now.

You're Ronnie Parrish.

- Who are you talking to?

- Mind your business.

- You look rested.

- Why wouldn't I be?

Oh, so I didn't hear you

yelling at your dad last night?

Mind your business.

Anyway, I found

an Olympic facility nearby.

What do you know about

Stonepointe Equestrian Center?

Not much.

Bougie as hell. Actually,

you might like it there.

Why do you care?

Going on a tour.

It's not like I can train here.

You know what I mean.

This place is great

for trail rides and rodeos,

- but not for the Olympics.

- Right.

- You don't have to come.

- I wasn't gonna.

Good.

Good.

So

How 'ya doing?

With the new job, I mean.

Do you mean, how am I doing

working with my cousin

who is now dating

my high school boyfriend?

- I mean, ex-boyfriend.

- Right.

I didn't think it was important.

I mean, you are still

rocking that wedding ring.

You gotta be kidding me.

I'm sorry, I didn't know.

How much

is this going to suck?

Maybe just a little.

Nana. Pop Pop

- Come here, dear. Baby. Yeah.

- What a surprise!

My, how beautiful you are!

Finally, we meet.

Wish it didn't take so long.

Better late than never.

Give the kid some space.

You're hovering.

That's what happens when the

grandchildren are kept from me.

Mom.

Oh, Dad.

I didn't know that you guys

were coming.

Yes,

so everyone keeps saying.

Don't mind me.

Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers.

We should go.

We we have that thing.

Um, Jolie

She she reeks

of tourist. We're

gonna show her around some more.

Bye.

What was that about?

Trust me. We just

dodged a b*llet.

So, where is Cédric?

Do husbands not greet

their in-laws in Belgium?

He's not here.

And on that note,

I have to go as well.

Surely, you can cancel.

Unfortunately not.

I have never seen

my mom like that.

My mom turns into a child

whenever Nana comes around.

She has a secret stash of candy

just for the visits.

It's comedy.

So, where are we

taking Jolie first?

We can go into D.C.

I got a cousin at Howard.

We can hit him up.

n*gro, we're not actually

taking her anywhere.

But, my dad lent me the car.

I'm all yours until

the game, so

What's on the Jolie agenda?

Stonepointe. I have

an appointment for a tour.

I'd love the company.

Stonepointe, huh?

I mean, I don't mind

helping you out.

As long as you don't forget

the little people.

Done.

Cool.

Coming? Or do you want to stay

behind to manage the children?

Fine.

Fine.

Come on, Ronnie.

So, your phone does work.

Have you spoken with Jolie?

Well, hello to you, too, Cédric.

We live together, so yeah,

I've spoken to Jolie.

About about me.

We had some words last night.

You did?

Yeah, she said

some things that, uh,

were pretty hard to hear.

And, well

I want to make it right.

Hmm. That's it?

I'm not sure what you want.

You've been dodging my calls,

and now all of a sudden

Look, I know. I know.

I'm sorry. But she's my girl.

Jolie just needs time.

She'll figure it out, her way.

So will we.

You disappeared.

To shield you.

That wasn't for me.

You did that for yourself.

You're a coward.

At least own it.

Look, I know you're

upset when I'm

No, I'm pissed!

And trying really hard to

figure out how not to hate you.

Cédric, I'm holding it together

because our kid needs me to.

You're right.

And I was wrong.

Do I hear wedding bells?

Only

church bells, Auntie.

What are you Are you hiding?

I gotta gotta go!

You have really turned

your life around.

I am so

proud of you, Ester.

Thank you.

I should get back. Heh.

Now

you're sure you

don't know anything

about this whole

Janelle situation?

No. Sorry, Auntie.

All right.

- I'll see you, darling.

- All right. Take care.

You can come out now.

Thank you for not telling her

I was here.

It's not really even

any of my business,

but, maybe you should try

being open with her.

Vulnerability invites

vulnerability.

You just might be surprised

at what could happen.

I doubt that.

You know how she is.

She obviously loves you, even

if she has trouble showing it.

She came all the way here

just to see you, after all.

Didn't she?

- Damn, they got real money.

- Come on, guys.

Seriously.

Ah!

Okay so this is how

the other side lives.

Stonepointe has trained

dozens of equestrians

who've all made

it to the Olympics.

Maybe I'll be one of them.

Well, there's nothing wrong

with ambition.

And we'll help you get there.

Right, Ronnie?

What she means is, of course.

Fam over everything.

Mm. Mm-hmm.

- Oh, my God.

It's Gretchen Müller!

Two-time Olympian, and the

youngest to win five Grand Prix.

Huge fan.

I'm flattered.

And you are?

I'm uh I'm Jolie Dumont.

Nice to meet you.

I've been following your career.

I want to do what you do.

I've only won

one Grand Prix so far

Oh, you have?

Uh, do you train here?

I feel like I'd remember.

Oh, no. I mean,

not yet. I want to.

Well, hopefully

you like the place.

My parents co-own it.

So, I'm here often.

I look forward meeting your

horse, see what you two got.

My horse?

Oh, right. She's great.

- Beauty's a champion.

- Love it.

Jolie, a pleasure, really.

I hope to see you around.

- Me too.

- Mm-hmm.

I need to call Nora.

Okay. Stonepointe is perfect.

And Gretchen Müller trains here.

The goddess? Her family

prints money in their sleep.

What does she smell like?

- Tell me everything.

- Am I missing something here?

This is Alvin.

Hello.

Pan down Jolie.

And this is my

cousin, Ronnie. The pessimist.

More like, realist.

When they don't

list the prices it's

code for, "Ma'am,

you can't afford this."

Come on, Ronnie,

it can't be that bad.

Jolie, a place like that,

you're looking at six,

seven thousand Euros a month.

Mm. I mean, unless you have some

money hidden

under your mattress,

it might be time

to hang up the saddle.

Nora, back me up.

Sorry, babe.

I'm with the realist.

Great. You guys

don't have faith, that's fine.

But I will find a way.

Saving my love for you

I heard you spoke to your dad.

Anything you'd

like to talk about?

No. I'm over it.

He's not.

Heavenly Father, thank

you for this bountiful meal

we're about to receive.

Please shine your blessings

upon this family

and provide guidance

for my wayward children

so they may find

the path forward

Amen.

Amen.

So how was everyone's day?

Jolie, we've barely had

a chance to speak, ever.

- How's your training, dear?

- On an indefinite hold

until now.

I actually found a

great training center

so I can stay on

track. Stonepointe.

Heard of it?

Uh-huh.

Is that across town?

Mm-hmm.

You mean, the fancy place

no one can afford?

Most people in the neighborhood

just go to the Gonzales' Ranch.

I respect the Gonzales, but

they don't really

train Olympians.

They said I could

start right away.

I don't think

that's a good idea.

Qualifiers are next year.

How do you expect me to win

if you insist on benching me?

Jolie, let's just

If this is about the money, I'm

sure we can pull

something together.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

- Thank you.

- No!

But thank you.

Why are you being like this?

Watch your tone.

Now, this may be a chance

for you to explore

other activities.

Aren't you going

to Alvin's football game later?

So, I'm just supposed

to join the cheer squad.

Typical mom. You don't get it

'cause you've never had

a dream of your own.

That's enough!

Or spend the rest of the night

in your room.

Bruh, you are so moody.

I'm allowed. Leave me alone.

- Should we

- Nah.

This ends now.

Well, well, well.

Came to pay up.

- No, I'm done.

- Oh, she is? Well, that's cute.

'Cause I'm not.

Just back off.

Damn, Ronnie.

You ever fight your own battles?

That all you got?

Why don't you tricks go home?

Yeah, go and get Mommy

and Daddy to kiss it all better.

Right. Daddy's not here.

What did you say?

You heard me.

Daddy's not here.

What's the matter with you?!

How could you do this to me?

You should've known better!

You should've been better, Papa!

I hate you! I hate you!

I know you have something

to say, so can you just say it?

You're a grown woman, Janelle.

Far be it for me

to tell you what to do.

- But?

- But maybe someone should.

You are clearly spinning out.

Leaving for Europe on a whim.

Keeping my

granddaughter from me.

Coming back to the ranch 20

years later, like

a thief in the night.

I had a life in Belgium.

I was happy. Jolie was happy.

We had people who cared

about us, who counted on us.

Yes, I know.

You've told us so many times.

You only hear

what you wanna hear, don't you?

We're here

We're here because

we're in trouble, Mom.

Cédric stole from his clients.

I don't have a dime to my name.

I had to come home.

Poor, Janelle.

Thank you for jumping in.

You're the only one

that had my back.

To be honest, I didn't

think you had it in you.

Me neither.

I get

the sense that this

wasn't just about Serena though.

You can keep ish

bottled up like that, or

Don't you Americans have an

expression about

a pot and a kettle?

I'm sorry it didn't work out

with Stonepointe.

Maybe you got more going

for you than you think.

Family that loves you.

Horse that needs you.

More than most folk.

Oh, you love me.

Did I say that?

I meant lil' man.

Good girl!

Maybe you'll let

me ride you soon.

Yeah, we'll take it slow.

Easy. Easy. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa!

Whoa.

Come here.

Yeah, good girl.

You're good with her.

Thanks. I think

we're simpatico.

I've been following

your career all these years.

You have?

Of course, you're

my granddaughter.

And I couldn't be more proud.

Ronnie's been teaching me

how to use social media

so we don't miss a thing.

We caught your last tournament

before you left Belgium.

You're incredible.

Be a shame to waste

all that great potential.

Who knows how long that

will last if I'm not training.

About that.

I'd like to help you.

It's not much.

But it's a start.

Dreams are important.

It'd give me such joy

to help you achieve yours.

Especially after

all I've missed.

I have so much to make up for.

Thank you, Nana.

But, Mom

Let me worry about your mom.

You just focus on getting us

to the Olympics, hm?

All right. Time to get

you in Stonepointe shape. Hm?

You ready for more?

Easy girl. See?

There you go. Easy. It's okay.

There we go. See? Good girl.

All good.

Whoa.

You two are really coming along.

Listen, I know you're

disappointed.

And I'm sorry.

I know all these changes

have been really hard on you.

They've been hard on me, too.

I also had a whole

life in Belgium

and plans.

But with time and patience

we'll find our

footing, together.

I was a brat.

I'm sorry.

Listen, I can't afford it right

now, but we will find a way

to help you get back on track.

For now, as we adjust

to our new normal,

we'll find the beauty around us.

Are you in?

I'm in.

Oh, good. You're here.

Ronnie! Now!

Their school just called.

Jolie and Ronnie

got into a fight.

Jolie!

The principal wants

to speak with us.