First Christmas (2020)

[bunniefuu]

Or a merry christmas.

The difference is
the bonus check I'll get you

For early delivery.

That's what I thought.

End of the week.

I want a merry christmas, too.

Nat sounded happy.

Oh, don't get cute.
Halle downing.

You're next.

What did I do?

Nothing.

That's the problem.

You know I'm blocked.

You're five months late.

You owe the publisher
at least an outline, or...

They will discontinue the
"christina kick-butt" series.

"Discontinue"?

But why?

Fanbase is all over social media

Anxious for the next book.

That makes publishers,
well, react.

There's only one foster kid
superhero right now,

And if you won't deliver her,

Someone else will create one.

Look at all the work
you've done.

You don't want it
to end, do you?

You know I don't.

Then come up with a book
so good they'll want more...

And I will be reminding you
of the deadline.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Good afternoon.

Thank you for coming in.

We are finalizing
the distribution

Of the business assets
in mr. Moore's estate,

And there's only one
outstanding issue to resolve.

As his widow and his mother,
I think we need your help.

What's that?

Well...

His daughter.

What has tiffany done?

Not tiffany.

Candace.

You know where she is!

Yes... Oh!

But due to
attorney-client privilege

And rules governing
her closed adoption,

I can only share that
though he wasn't supposed to,

Mr. Moore did locate her.

Legally, she was supposed
to initiate contact,

But with this now being
an estate matter,

Howard authorized
our office to inform her

Of her pending interests.

Now, we haven't received
a response from her,

So I think we need
a personal touch.

She's a stranger.

We... We don't know who she is

Or what she's capable of.

Maybe her not responding

Is a sign to just
leave it alone.

But she's also
my first grandchild,

And I'm not missing
any more of her life

If there's a chance
to reach her.

What do you need me to do?

Fan mail.

Fan mail, fan mail.

"Law firm."

"An estate-related matter.

Please use this test
to confirm legal relationship."

This requires chocolate.

"I think you are
my granddaughter."

Come in.

Hey. Hey.

Ah, miracle worker.

Still blocked, huh?

This isn't halle I know.

She would dare someone
to take her series away

And make them regret trying to.

Um, lately I don't feel like
my usual southside self.

Oh, she's still in there.

You just need to get angry.

How many times did
I have to move you

Because you stood up
for yourself too well?

Well, that's why you're always
my favorite social worker.

You acted and
asked questions later.

Well...

Helping kids finding
where they belong

Was my purpose,

Like I know writing
these books is yours.

Look how many children they help

In and out of foster care.

What does a single 30-something

That's an-aged out foster kid
know about anything?

Halle, you are
a successful author

Of children's books.

That's the result
of choices and timing.

To get where you are,

You made some good choices
at the right time.

"Choices and timing."

That's the way out
of my writer's block?

That's part of it,

But maybe the biggest challenge

You have for this book is that
you have more questions

Than answers on what you
want to write about.

About that...

These came in the mail.

What are those?

Answers.

They came with letters
from an attorney's office

And someone that may be
my grandmother.

This is about someone's estate.

I know.

I've never been brave enough

To take one of those tests.

I don't even know why.

Then maybe you need to decide
which you're more afraid of.

Knowing...

Or not knowing.

All right, inspiration.

Come find me.

"Hello, halle,"

We found you!

I don't have your number,
so please call me.

I can't wait to meet you!

"Your grandmother."

Uh-uh.

I need sugar first.

Hello?

Is someone there?

Hi.

This... Uh, this is halle.

Oh, it's so good
to hear your voice.

This is your grandmother.

Hi.

I took that dna test.

That note was from
my grandmother.

It's so weird to
say that out loud.

She invited me to spend
christmas this year

With her family.

You mean, "your family."

They contacted me because
my father died a few months ago.

Sweetie, i...

I'm so sorry.

I'd always wondered
about finding my parents.

I hadn't thought I'd be
too late to meet them.

Halle.

Hmm?

You're a big sister, too.

I am.

I have two younger brothers
and a younger sister.

They didn't know about me until
the dna test results came in.

In one day, I got more
answers about myself

Than I have my whole life.

Choices and timing.

When both are right...

It's magical... It's magical.

Is this trip a good time
to tell them about my work?

I want them to
accept me for me...

Not because I'm "h.d. Madison."

Well, they invited you in
without knowing who you are,

So just go with
your instincts on.

Speaking of which...

You know I have the instinct
to snoop through your things

When you're not looking.

What have you done?

I hope you don't mind,
but I took it upon myself

To contact your brother,
since I won't be here.

Got you a new phone
for your christmas present

To finally bring you
into this century,

And the first message
on it is from him.

I don't even remember
why we stopped speaking.

Maybe that means it's the
perfect time to start again.

These years are precious,
aren't they?

So, you're can have the
neighborhood christmas

We always have, but I thought
maybe we both could use

Some family this year.

Hi, sabrina.

♪ I warned you ♪

♪ I will be checking in ♪

I'm just heading out of town

To find that
christmas inspiration

You were talking about.

Oh? Where are you going?

New orleans.

You must be halle.

How can you tell?

I'm devin.

Your memaw sent me.

Welcome to new orleans.

I didn't check the weather.

Oh, you didn't?

Well, are you nervous?

So nervous.

Well, your memaw thought
you might be.

You know, figured it'd be best
to leave everyone else at home.

So, you are...?

I'm a family friend.

I cook for 'em...

You know, pretty much do
whatever they need me to do.

Mm. Especially now.

Howard, he was
my mentor, you know?

Tell you what, um,
let's get these bags loaded.

Okay.

All right.

Wow.

They live here?

Yeah.

I did some research on 'em.

I don't know what
I was expecting, but...

You got this, okay?

Okay. You do.

Hey-hey.

Oh!

Hi.

It's good to finally
meet you, halle!

Everyone calls me "memaw."

It's nice to meet you, too.

Let's get you inside.

You'll meet everyone

And go get comfortable
before lunch, okay?

All right. Okay.

Everyone, this is halle!

What took you so long
to find us?

We found each other.
That's all that matters.

Now, everyone,
mind your manners.

Oh, right. I'll go first.

Hi, I'm drew! Hi, hi.

Oh.

I'm tiffany. Hey.

This is glenn. What up, sis?

And this is my mom.
Oh, please, call me joan.

Oh, hey. Just hug already!

Okay.

Halle, I'll show you
to your room.

Lunch will be ready
in 15 minutes.

Excellent. I'm famished.

Okay, I can't wait to go eat.

Slow down.

The food isn't even ready yet.

This house is amazing.

My husband's family
were real estate moguls

Before it was a thing,

But this house was special.

Thank you so much
for inviting me,

Especially at christmas.

This is your father.

My son loved christmas.

It was his favorite
time of the year

Since he was a little boy.

Mine, too.

Maybe a little more now.

Oh...

Oh, well, let's, uh...

Let's get you to your room.

Just follow me.

This food looks good.

Join us, please.

Okay.

Wait. No, that's daddy's!

Oh.

How about I sit next to you?

We waited for you.

Thanks.

Oh no, no... Tss, tss.

Oh, okay.

Okay.

Thank you for the food
we're about to receive,

And thank you
for bringing our halle

To join us at this table.

Amen.

- Amen.
- Amen. - Amen. - Amen.

So, halle, hit us
with your story.

Mm-mm, no.

We're not going to have
an interrogation over lunch.

We can't get some basic info?

Mm-mm, mm-mm.

What do you do?

I, uh... I work in publishing.

Did you grow up in chicago?

Yes, born and raised.

You play any sports? Not really.

What about you?

I want to play football.

Go, saints!

No, he's basically
a chess prodigy,

I prefer he focus on that.

Oh. He plays anyone, anywhere.

So, you're a genius.

Well, what about you two?

Well, I'm a publicist in l.a.

I only work with
the biggest celebrities.

I'm in l.a., Too.
I'm an entrepreneur.

Yeah, well, none of us
know exactly

What you're entrepreneuring in.

Maybe stepmommy-dearest
should go next.

She worked at daddy's company.

Were you a receptionist?

Or a secretary?

I was vice president
of marketing.

I hired the publicist

That, uh, princess spoiled here
is trying to become.

Now, that's enough of that.

So, do you all have
many christmas traditions?

Doesn't everybody?

Yes, we do, and we want you

To experience
all of them with us.

There are parties.

One here, and the
annual fete quartier.

It's wonderful.

Music, dancing.

So much food and everything.

Too much, honestly.

Uh, do you usually
spend christmas

With your adoptive family?

No, I was adopted as a baby,

But I grew up in foster care.

We haven't gotten that far yet.

You don't have any parents?

I've had lots of them,

And a really great
social worker named eugene.

We're still close.

Hmm.

This food is really good.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm. Always.

Oh, god.

I can heat something up
for you, if you like.

Just looking for
something sweet.

Okay.

What do you have a taste for?

Something with sugar in it,
on it, and with it.

With it, okay.

Tell you what... I got an idea.

Come with me. Okay.

So, what's christmas like
in chicago?

Cold.

Snow is already on the ground.

Some nights, it's
what you would imagine

A winter wonderland is.

Is that snowmen
in big puffy coats?

I don't know any other
kind of christmas.

I've spent all of them there.

That's why I want to know
everything about christmas here.

Well, I can tell you,
for the moores,

There's plenty of
traditions and events

Every day of the week
for christmas.

Hmm. Now, as for me,

I'm cooking for their
annual reveillon dinner

For the company executives.

What's a "reveillon dinner"?

It's a festive dinner meant
to awaken the christmas spirit.

It's a very old tradition
here in new orleans.

And you go to all these events?

Well, I go to the ones I want to

And cook for the ones they host.

But christmas day? Mm-hmm?

Always with the family.

Oh.

Wife and kids?

Parents and siblings.

What about you?

You ever get a chance
to spend those...

Winter wonderland moments
with anyone special?

Only my former
social worker, eugene.

So, let me ask you this...

How are you handling finding
out about your new family?

Not knowing was much easier.

Easier, yeah. But better?

I'm not sure yet.

Did you guys have fun?

He introduced me to beignets.

Ooh.

He's such a fine young man.

Always has been.

Is everything okay?

Oh...

You look so much
like your father.

I'm sorry.

Oh, baby, no.

You look like my son.

Please don't ever
feel sorry about that.

When you're ready...

Call me "memaw."

Good night, baby.

Good night.

Every year, the champion here

Represents their school
at the city-wide chess slam

That's in a few days.

Oh, okay.

Is he that good? Oh, he is.

He has a coach and everything.

I just want him
to have the best life.

Mm-hmm.

Now, with his father gone...

Is any the family helping you?

Oh, I thank god for memaw.

I mean, she's a lifesaver.

But tiffany, she's wrapped up
in her own daddy issues,

And glenn just follows her lead.

Have you asked them
for their help?

Have they offered?

Got it.

Well, what about howard?

Would you tell me about him?

He was hilarious.

Oh, we laughed so much
over the years.

He was just so kind.

He really cared about people.

Did howard tell you about me,

Or did you find out
with everyone else?

He did... A few years
after we got married.

You know, after we
had drew, he...

It felt like
he was holding back.

Until I finally asked him
about it, and told me.

Honestly, I don't...

Think he ever got over
your mother and what happened.

Why do you think he didn't tell

Tiffany and glenn about me?

I think he wanted to,

But he was waiting
for this perfect moment.

There really is no perfect
moment for this, is there?

Mm-mm.

And I would appreciate it
if you wouldn't say anything

To tiffany and glenn
about me knowing.

Even though
they keep their distance,

I'll always be
protective of them.

That must be really hard on you.

So, what's next for you?

Uh, I'm working on a book
for female executives

About what to do
to plan properly...

You know, for career and family.

So, you wanted to
go back to work?

My original plan was months,

And it turned into years.

So, plan for when
the plans change.

Basically. Mm.

Want me to take a look at
what you've written so far?

Oh, that's right.
You work for a publisher.

Yeah. Doing what, exactly?

Oh, um, proofreading.

I... I proof manuscripts.

Oh, well, it seems like
you'd know what you do.

Well, when I'm ready to proof,
I know who to call.

And when you're ready
to be honest with me

About what you do,
you know where to find me.

Hey, big mama. What up, big sis?

Why does every nickname
for the women in your life

Include the word "big" in it?

I mean...

You know...

Y'all should show halle here
some good southern hospitality

And show her around town.

We would, but glenn and I were

Just headed out somewhere.

Mm-hmm.

It's fine.

I'm tired, and I've got to
get some work done.

Oh, no, no. Take halle.

I mean, you guys should start
doing things together...

You know, since the duo
is now a trio, and all.

Fine.

But you two are gonna need
to put on some nicer clothes.

She brought that car
to show memaw

Her first grown-up purchase.

She keeps it spotless.

This food better make me
forgive how fast you drove

Through everything
I'll have to see again.

Ah-ah-ah, you might
be from chi-town,

But don't underestimate
new orleans cuisine, big sis.

Glenn, don't make me agree
with your stepmother.

Enough with the "bigs."

Leave it in front.

So, you hung out
with joan this morning.

How was that?

Not bad.

We talked.

Joan's hot and cold.

She starts off hot,

But after all these years,

She's just cold to us.

How did she go from hot to cold?

When her and daddy got married,

She tried with us.

It was like we were a family.

But then she had drew,

And we went from being her kids
to being her stepkids.

Mm.

The first time she introduced us
like that in a store,

I hid it, but I cried
the whole way home.

Mm-hmm.

And it's childish,
but I've been done ever since.

Yeah.

It feels like we used to
be here all the time

When we were kids,
but after a while...

It just felt like
we were in the way.

Have you ever told her how
you've felt all these years?

I mean, we shouldn't have to.

Parents are supposed to
be consistent...

Even the "step" ones.

Yeah, whatever she did
or didn't do

To be more involved
in our lives,

It wasn't enough.

With dad gone, it just
feels like it's too late.

Coming from experience,
it's never too late.

What about drew?

Do you spend much time with him?

She is a helicopter.

We see drew at the house,
but really,

It's sheer memaw
who's taking care of him.

Mm-hmm. Try asking to do more.

I mean, whatever
happened before,

Maybe you all can start again.

I think she wants relationships
with all of you.

She just maybe doesn't know
where to start.

Wow.

You speak joan.

Yeah, too bad she didn't know

She had a long-lost
interpreter out there.

Well, ac...

"Well," what?

Nothing.

Really.

Wait, did joan know about you?

Look, i... I didn't mean to...

Oh, I have had it with her.

I... I... Tif, just...

Just sit tight. Nope, I am...

You knew about halle,
didn't you?

It wasn't my secret to tell.

Why not?

You weighed in
on everything else.

No, I never weighed in on
decisions that weren't my place,

And this definitely wasn't.

Yeah, well,
maybe you should have.

That's enough.

Your father is not here
to explain why he did

Or did not do something,

And I will not have you
tearing into joan about it now.

But, memaw, she knew
about halle!

She was his wife.

I was his mother.

Are you mad at me, too?

Your father wasn't perfect.

He didn't keep this
from you to hurt you.

Quite the opposite.

Look, um, she didn't
mean any of that.

We were just caught off guard

By some super-secret family tea.

Again.

I'm sorry about that, glenn.

Hey, is anyone
interested in learning

The sicilian defense?

Maybe later.

I need some air.

I'm gonna go for a walk...

And I hope I find
an ice cream truck.

May I go with hallie?

Please? Of course.

Now, don't forget your jacket.

Uh-uh, t-t-there's no...

You... I-i'll take care of her.

You all just go ahead.

Go ahead.

So, where do you want to go?

Well, if I were home,
I'd go for a walk and...

Hey, hey. Hey.

Where you two headed?

I don't know. Let me check.

Well, look, um,
can't forget my phone again.

Tell you what... Let me grab it.

I'll join you. Okay.

Are you all right?

I'm just trying to get on
the other side of christmas,

And halle's not
making it any easier.

Well, is she supposed to?

So, halle gets welcomed

And I'm still
the evil stepmother,

Thanks to tiffany.

I mean, I love them,
but for some reason,

They pulled away from me
after drew came along.

They dote on him, so...

It must be me,
and I don't know why.

Why don't you ask them?

Glenn does whatever
tiffany tells him to,

And you know what happens

Whenever we speak
to one another.

You know I don't like to
get in the middle

Of you and the kids.

I'm on all of your sides.

Well, I think that
we wish sometimes

That you would get
in the middle of it.

Mm.

Why do you work for this...

What I'll call "special" family?

Well, they are
special, you know?

In all of the best ways.

One thing you're gonna learn
is that families are messy.

Oh, I know.

I'm at a holiday event
with my brother

Who's young enough to be my son.

I have another
brother and sister

Who I'm sure wish
I didn't exist,

A stepmother who also probably
wishes I didn't exist,

And a grandmother
who's just trying

To clean up her son's mess.

You're not a mess
she's trying to clean up.

She's excited you're here,

And if you could have heard
her plans for your arrival...

I know she's trying.

You were coming up to the house
when we kidnapped you.

What did we keep you from doing?

Well, I was prepping
for tomorrow...

Well, since I'm
going out tonight.

Oh.

Something fun?

Yeah, I'm going to my family's
holiday gumbo cook-off.

I'm judging this year.
The competition is real.

You know, the winner gets
to make this year's

Big new year's pie.

Hmm, that sounds like some
real new orleans to me.

Does it? Mm-hmm.

Um, would you want to go?

What do you think?

Drew, that's lovely.

Well, it's for you.

Thank you.

I needed this.

Let's get you back home.

Okay. Merry christmas.

Maybe I should, like, quit chess

And just focus
on my art business.

I mean, I don't know,
let's just see...

Where have you been?!

You left hours ago!

I called you!

Oh, I'm sorry.

Uh, my phone was on silent.

Figures.

Mom, we were at the museum,

And I made this for you.

Thank you, baby.

Can you take it inside? O-okay.

I'm sorry I worried you.

We were just gonna take
a walk, but then, we...

Look, it was my idea, okay?

We decided to take halle
on a horse and carriage.

You know I would never let
anything happen to drew.

No, I don't know that.

I've known you for five minutes.

Mm.

Is the invitation
to the party still open?

Of course, of course.

Of course.

Come on.

We're gonna do a shoutout

To new orleans, louisiana!

Well, now, who do we have here?

Well, hello to you, too.

This my sister, corey.

Corey, this is halle. Hi, halle.

Hi.

I was about to send the dogs
to come and find you.

Aunt julia's had her food
here for 20 minutes,

And you know she loves to win
and hates waiting.

Told you the competition
is fierce.

I see.

I'm almost afraid for you.

I am, too.

Maybe you should
help him judge it.

That way, there's more
than one opinion.

I entered, so I can't.

Why not? I love gumbo.

Oh, well, baby,
make yourself at home,

Because any friend of devin's,

That beau is family tonight.

Ever bring the moores to this?

They've come,

But their father would
come more often.

How did you two connect?

His company was a sponsor
at my high school.

I created some recipes

That howard was
so impressed with, he...

He decided to cover my tuition
for culinary school.

Wow.

He was a life-changing
kind of guy.

Oh, completely.

He hired me right after
I graduated,

And I've been
testing out recipes

On the moores ever since...

Hmm.

For my restaurant
I want to open someday.

Oh, nice.

Yeah.

Um...

May I have this dance?

Yeah.

Did I keep you up again?

Oh, no.

Come, sit with me.

I'm just looking
at an old photo album

From when howard was a child.

Oh, wow.

Look. Oh, my goodness.

So much was said earlier.

I just wanted to make sure
that you were okay.

I'm not sure what I'm feeling.

Mm, ask me anything.

Did you support me
being given up?

Howard felt he was too young

And immature to be a father.

So...

I didn't interfere.

Mm-mm.

So, you never saw me.

No pictures.

If I had seen you...

I wouldn't have been able
to let you go.

I was comforted...

Believing that...

You were adopted
into a good family.

I get that.

Christina, I'm trying
to save you.

I just...

Need to find the words.

Oh, hey!

Want to play with me?

Sure.

I'll show you how bad I am.

Is it okay if I asked you
what foster care was like?

Hmmm.

Well, there's a book series

Called "christina kick-butt"...

I know about christina.

Well, christina talks
about all the skills

She learns at her group homes.

That's what it was like for me.

Chess isn't a game
about any one piece.

Each move is about
all of the pieces.

They're connected.

So, when you move
the whole board at once,

You're not just a pawn anymore.

Be the board,

A-and not just a piece.

Hey.

I'll be taking you to practice.

Go ahead. I'll keep studying.

I'll be checking out the venue

Once I drop off my baby brother.

Okay, bye.

You're taking him to practice?

Yeah.

You were right.

When I got back, I asked joan,
and she said, "okay."

He's gonna break his neck.

What are you doing?!

You're gonna fall. No, he won't.

I'll help him.

See?

She's not so bad.

Practically have to fly

To get drew to practice on time.

Not like she was gonna speed
the whole way anyway, right?

Let me show you what I did.

Don't you forget
nothing, all right?

I'm not.

You don't forget
this ingredient.

Yes.

What's happening here?

I have a gingerbread recipe,

And devin is picking up
some ingredients for me.

Oh, you cook desserts, too.

Halle, what don't you do?

Joan, I'm sorry about yesterday.

I screwed up.

And about drew. It's fine.

The twins needed to
know the truth,

And drew raved about
how much fun you all had.

So, we're okay?

Of course.

I was the new member
of this family once.

The moores make you
earn your spot,

Especially tiffany.

It'll take years...
Like it did for me...

But you'll settle into

A comfortable groove eventually.

But you'll get there faster

If you're not keeping us
at a distance.

That suit is fire.

Oh, you like it? Mm-hmm.

I'm going to a holiday luncheon

With the wives of the
executives at the company.

They need to know
I still got it.

Okay.

I was wondering when
you would finally check in.

I'm sorry.

It's been a whirlwind
since I got here.

It's good.

Well, first of all,
this phone is a game-changer.

Oh, I would have got you one
a long time ago

If I'd known all that.

Hey, my brother and his family

Are coming over for christmas.

I don't know how to thank you.

Gene, hearing all this
good news is thank you enough.

Oh, enough about me.

Tell me about new orleans.

Are you getting the answers
to help unblock you?

Not yet.

I'm really scared.

I only have a few more days
to get this in.

I don't know what I'm gonna do

If I can't write
christina anymore.

Never gon' happen.

Tell me something happier.

Hold on, gene. Come in!

Memaw wanted me to
make sure you were set

For tonight's reveillon dinner.

I'll try you later.
All right, bye.

Okay, bye. I'm set.

Uh, my dress is in the closet.

Oh, may i?

Go ahead.

Oh, this dress!

Wow, halle.

I didn't know you came to slay.

But, you know,
tonight's party is

An ugly christmas sweater party.

Oh, I thought it was c*ck.

Yeah, with everything
going on this year,

We figure, "lighten the mood."

Let's go shopping
and get you one.

Okay.

Ready when you are.

Oh, right now. Okay, okay.

I can eat a little more
of these.

Halle. Come, come.

I'd like to introduce you to
my other granddaughter, halle.

Excuse me.

This is considered "dressed up"
in chicago.

Wish I could trade you.

You're really
lighting up the place.

"How do you accept
that the family"

You have dreamed of for
a lifetime is a nightmare?

"This entire moore
family is fake."

Hey. This is from devin.

So, will you tell me more
about that book you mentioned?

I can do better than that.

Thank you! I'll go read it now.

No, thank you. You are so sweet.

You make this much easier.

Well, I take being
a brother seriously.

You owned that sweater.

I had to.

Couldn't let my opponents
see me break down.

Yeah.

Seems like this family
brings out that side of me.

Defiance?

Resilience.

Alright. Let's get to cooking.

Here we go. We got
some applesauce.

Mm.

This smells amazing.

Give eugene all the credit.

I burned water before he
and his wife taught me.

Oh, sorry. We smelled
something good.

Ah-ah!

You've earned whatever's
about to happen to you.

Want some?

You're lucky I'm not going
south side on you tonight.

Look, I didn't mean to...

To embarrass me in
a room full of people?

Or to taint what I thought
was finally a nice day

Spent with my new sister?

D, this smells amazing, man.

Oh, this isn't me.
It's all halle.

It's eugene's recipe.

Halle.

You could have told us you
needed appropriate attire.

You've been so tasteful
in your clothes until now.

Talk to tiffany.

Why would I wear that sweater

When I have a designer
c*ck dress in the closet?

Fine, but I don't want
to keep worrying about

The next unexpected thing
you're gonna do or say.

If you want me to trust you,
stop coming for me like this.

Trust is a two-way street.

Mm!

Who's going to start?

Hey.

No one has ever dared
to do that before.

Done what?

Say exactly what
you're thinking.

At this rate, I don't know that
I'll make it to christmas day.

You will.

Trust me.

Memaw and drew, they're worth
putting up with the crazy,

So stay for them.

Hmm.

Stay for me.

We are going to get through

This first christmas
without my son as a family.

Am I clear?

Yes, ma'am.

Halle, come with me.

She actually took you shopping
to buy that awful sweater?

She did.

I've never seen someone commit
that hard to a prank.

She's a publicist for a reason.

Joan's right, though.

I am keeping
something from you...

But I'm also keeping it
from the whole world.

I don't work for a publisher.
They kind of work for me.

I write under
the name h.d. Madison.

You write the "christina" books.

You know about them?

I sit on the board of a library.

Of course I know about them.

The superhero of... Foster care.

Oh, halle.

You share your pain
and your triumphs.

Why not tell the world
you're a writer?

Well, there's a shame
to feeling unwanted.

It's a secret that walks
into every room with me.

Anonymity is freedom.

Thank you for
trusting me with this.

I won't say a word.

Oh, halle... Would
you stop a minute?

It's late. I'm heading to bed.

I exploded earlier.

I didn't want howard's
business associates

Being introduced
to you that way.

Neither did i.

Wait, is this...?

Howard's office?

It is.

Oh, he was a hard worker.

He would be in here all hours
of the night, creating.

I'm just trying to get
some inspiration from that.

Inspiration.

I'm trying to find
some of that myself.

Oh, are you working
on a project?

Yes.

Right.

About that.

Is your offer to read
my work on the table?

Sure.

Thanks. Good night. Good night.

That sounds awful.

You need me to come down there?

I mean, I'll set them straight.

You shouldn't have to put up
with all of that this soon.

I have to get this book done.

Maybe I should just
stay somewhere else.

No.

You're blocked because
you haven't done the work

To get the answers
that you need.

Keep at it, and keep
your right hook ready.

Eugene, I got to take this.

Get to work.

Hi, sabrina.

I've been trying to reach you
forever. I'm at my limit, halle.

Sabrina, you told me to get
you pages by christmas,

Which is still a few
days away, right?

Well, yes.

Then unless you're
calling to offer me

Some words of encouragement,
I'd rather get back to work.

She's back!

This is the halle
I love to fight for.

Yeah.

Is that a "dear joan" letter?

No, it's nothing.

Alright, you two.

It's almost christmas,
now make up.

If not for me, do it for memaw.

If not for me and memaw,
do it for drew, santa,

Whoever you need it to be.

You first.

I'm sorry, halle.

That was a very immature
thing that I did to you.

For memaw and drew, there
will be no payback today.

Y'all can't feel
the christmas spirit?

Sure,

But I need to go prepare
for the green carpet tomorrow.

She invited her girlfriend.

If she's gonna be in
town for the event,

You should invite her to
spend time with your family.

Now, she's only in town
to support the artists

Because they used
to tour together.

She leaves on a red-eye
after the chess slam.

If she's coming all the way
out here, you should invite her.

I got on a plane not
knowing any of you,

And I've never been more
nervous to meet anyone,

But it felt good to be invited.

Inviting her will
make her feel like

You're really letting her in,
if that's what you want.

That is what I want.

Then listen to halle.

At least invite her
to the chess slam.

You can let her decide
if it's too much.

She might surprise you.
It's christmas.

There's no better time to
make this really good choice.

Mm-hmm.

It's her.

Hey, baby.

I only got a second.
I'm at the studio,

And the designer
sent the dresses.

Which one am I
wearing tomorrow night?

Just bring them both,

And we'll figure it out
when I see them.

Got it. I'll see you tomorrow.

Will you come with me

To my little brother's
chess slam?

Please. Chess is his life.

Babe?

Will you come with me to
my brother's chess slam?

It's hours before your flight.
My whole family will be there.

Which brother? The little one?

Oh, if it's him, yes.
Glenn? No way.

Yes, my baby brother, drew.

Wow.

I finally get to meet
the rest of the family?

sh**t me the deets,
I'll be there.

I got to go, babe.

Okay. Bye, glenn.

Bye.

I can't believe
how easy that was.

You were right, halle.

I helped too.

Would you mind dropping me off

At the store
on your way to work?

Only if you meet us
somewhere after.

Okay, let me get my coat.

You made a miracle
happen today, oldest sister.

Tiffany and paris
make each other happy,

And we could all use some
more of that right now.

Well, maybe this was
a girl thing.

She just needed
some sisterly advice.

Glenn, I think halle is right,

And what's wrong with you?

"Old" is no better than "big."

I'm glad it worked out.

I'm starting to gain
some perspective

On how things run
in this family.

Oh, like what?

Like realizing there's
a learning curve

To being a sister.

Maybe if we help each other,

The rest will just
fall into place.

Do you know why we brought
you here twice now?

Because the food is good?

Daddy brought us here
for every special occasion.

This is one of his
favorite places.

It's one of your traditions?

It's a dad tradition.

I guess you didn't tell me
that before because...

We weren't ready.

I get it.

You know, you have
some of his mannerisms.

Big time. Y'all
smile just the same.

So just know, we know
you're one of us,

Even if we don't always say
it, because it's awkward.

Yeah.

Thank you.

That means a lot.

Not to break
the mood or anything,

But may I ask you some questions
about a concept you inspired?

I did? What was it?

It's an app that connects people
to families during the holidays

Or whenever people are in need
of some extended family.

That's a great idea.

From college kids that can't
get home for the holidays

To seniors who don't
have families...

There's a market for that.

Look at you guys building
a business in daddy's hotel.

All I know is, however it goes,

I want to handle all the press

Deal. Okay.

Cheers. Cheers.

They're going to love you.

Welcome. You almost got left.

Well, it's good to see
you, too, glenn.

Memaw, halle, devin,
this is paris.

Paris, this is my family.

Welcome, paris.

We heard so much about you
from tiffany and glenn.

Oh, thank you.
The pleasure is mine.

And glenn, you are getting
four backstage passes

To my new year's show in l.a.

We'll pause our teasing
for one night.

Love having sisters.

If you're done dancing,
we can get to the slam.

Tiff told me what
you said to her.

I didn't do much.

She just needed a little push
in the right direction.

Well, thank you for that push.

Check it out! I won!

Wow. This is amazing.

Yeah, it is! Can't
believe I won.

Did you ever get a chance to
review that edit I left for you?

What are you editing,
sister dear?

Great. Sorry.

Halle is reviewing
something I'm writing.

You're a writer, mama?

She is, and it's excellent.

Wow. That's awesome, joan.

It's only my first chapter.

Sometimes that's all it takes.

And you know this from your
wealth of experience proofing?

Joan, you're right.

I am keeping something from you.

I write books.

Published books.
I'm h.d. Madison.

The h.d. Madison?

Sold like a jillion copies that
are probably gonna be movies?

Why not just tell us
you're a famous author?

I wanted you to get to know
halle downing first.

And joan, your work inspired me.

I've even been trying
to write my next book,

And I need to be more confident.

So you're writing about us?

Not about you, but inspired by.

I'm so proud of you, halle.

Here, can I have your autograph?

Sure. Yes.

Sure.

What do you want it to say?

Where are you going?

I was right about her.

She's been lying
to us all along,

And now she's secretly
a famous author

Worthy of our praise?

Tonight is about drew.

Let's have our celebration
as we planned.

It's been a long day,
and I'm tired.

Drew, baby, come tell me
good night before you go to bed.

Well, imagine if you
made a book about me.

He didn't even hear me.

You all are making it so easy
for her to become a moore

In a way you didn't for me.

I can't believe
you're saying this.

Thank you all
for being here today.

Before each seat,
there is a sealed envelope

That contains the specific
details of your distribution.

But before we go over that,
we have a video to play,

So mr. Moore can explain
some things himself.

Hello, family.

Don't worry, you'll be smiling
by the end of this.

I don't want any confusion
when it comes to my affairs,

So my attorney has
been instructed

To follow my wishes
to the letter...

And for that, candace,
I thank you.

To drew, tiffany, and
glenn... Love you all.

Go be successful,
take care of each other,

And keep doing
all our fun stuff.

And boys, yes, tiffany
is the boss of you guys.

But then again, there is
strength in numbers, right?

Daddy... You heard the man.

Devin, my man.
You made me proud.

Get that restaurant started.

You don't have to name it
"howard's" unless you want to...

But, you know, no pressure.

Mama, you gave me everything.

All my success is yours, too.

I know you think
I spoiled everyone,

But where do you
think I learned it?

Joan, my beloved wife.

I know I am amazing
in every way possible...

Handsome, thoughtful,

And I gave the best
anniversary gifts,

And even when I forgot, you
took it out on my credit cards.

I just want you to know,

Being your husband
made me a very lucky man.

I love you, sweetheart.

And to halle, if you're there...

Not a day passed that
I didn't think about you.

I pray that the family can do
for you now what I couldn't,

And know this... I'm a fan.

So cheer up, family,

I love you all, and I know

You're going to love
what's in those envelopes.

Yeah.

We have copies of that
for each of you.

Please, open your envelopes.

You will find specific details
that pertain to you personally,

But in addition to that, you
each get a seat on the board

With investments
available for you

To each launch a project
with company backing.

Yesss.

We all get the same thing.

With one exception...

Mrs. Moore receives howard's
controlling company interest.

Oh, I'm sorry. I meant
mrs. Fiona moore.

It an original clause...
Excuse me.

From when the company
was founded.

I understand.

It's okay.

It's alright. It's okay.

Glenn. Show them what you got.

Before we go inside, I'd like
to show you all what I did.

Oh, wow.

Ohhhh.

Glenn designed it with howard.

It's beautiful.

Let me show you what I did.

How did he do that on his phone?

Baby, it's beautiful.

Look, we started working
on this last year.

Oh, my god. Wonderful.

Are you feeling better?

Yes, baby.

Pretty christmas lights
make everyone feel better.

I need to call paris back,
but it's two hours

Earlier in l.a., And I
am hungry here, right now.

How about pizza and dessert?

On a night like this,
I require both.

I can't remember
the last time I ate pizza.

That's a great idea.

The place up
the street delivers.

Okay. Place the order.

Is there something sweet
we can have when we wait?

I think I got something for you.

There's ice cream.

What's happening here?

Pizzas will be here
in 30 minutes.

We're having a pizza and ice
cream party, courtesy of halle.

Yeah! Best idea ever.

Well, you could host

The pizza and ice cream
party again next year.

That's a tradition I would
love putting in rotation.

Well, I have to teach you
all what real pizza is.

I'd love to...

Memaw.

Good night.

What did I almost
just catch you doing?

I have no idea.
Just standing here.

Uh-huh.

Ah-ah-ah-ah!

Glenn!

No gifts on christmas eve.
Memaw, you know I wasn't...

Glenn, you know
better than that.

I wasn't doing nothing.
I'm ready.

Where are joan and drew?

Let me go
see what's keeping them.

Joan, you alright?

I'm fine, thank you.

Come with us.

Fete quartier is our
christmas eve tradition.

I don't want to
leave you here alone.

You need to be with your family.

My family.

Memaw, I just need a day off.

If drew is with all of you,
he won't even miss me.

He's in his room.

Sweetheart, I know you're
in pain and you're grieving.

We're going to
set things straight.

I promise you.

Girl knows her stuff.

Hey, how was the party?

It was so much fun!

We played games, my friends
from school came

And we ate a lot of pizza.
Sounds like someone ate

Everything sweet he could find.

Go ahead, get ready for bed,
okay? Brush your teeth.

Pshh. Pshh.

Everyone asked about you.

I just needed some
time to myself...

And it's a good thing, too,

Because I found something
that you all need to know about.

Merry almost-christmas, halle.

Yeah, you have a good night.

You too. Bye.

"Who would want to be
in a family like this?"

I have never been happier
to have grown up without them.

"I can't imagine who
I would have become."

You see?

You brought this
stranger in here,

And she just wants
to write trash about us.

Joan, please. She's here.
Let her speak for herself.

Is this true?

Did you write that?

Let me explain.

I knew you'd show your
true colors eventually.

I told you I'm protective
of this family,

And we will not
be trashed in print.

So she sneaks into my room,
finds my private thoughts,

And somehow I'm the villain?

I didn't sneak anywhere.

This was stuck to my pages.

So you did write those words?

Mm.

Tiff. Tiff, be cool.

I told you. I told you.

I was angry. That's all.

That's all you have to say?

What else can I say?

I never meant for
you all to hear that.

I didn't want to like you.

I let you in.

You got to be one of us, and
you're writing trash about us?

About my daddy.

You should leave.

No one will stop you.

Hi, you've reached
devin's voicemail.

Please be sure to leave
your name and your number,

And I'll be sure
to return your call.

We waited for you.

I take being a
brother very seriously.

I don't want to
keep worrying about

The next unexpected thing
you are gonna do or say.

It's a dad tradition.

I didn't want to
like you. I let you in.

Thanks to you, it's gonna be
a very merry christmas.

Well, I got it started,
and you kept it going.

We can share the credit.

What about christina?

Did you get in
what you needed to?

I'm not blocked anymore.

My family made sure I got

All the answers
I need for this book.

I'm proud of you, baby
girl. Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

Halle got all of us gifts.

Memaw.

Tiff. Ohh.

Ooh.

Aww.

Aw. Look.

How cool.

She gave us gifts,

And brought some of her
hometown to share with us.

Hmm.

I'm not opening mine.

Hey, hey! Merry
christmas, everyone.

Is halle with you?

No, isn't she here?

She left.

Her phone goes
straight to voicemail.

Okay, well, I'll call.

Devin, your phone
is in the kitchen.

Howard would be so
disappointed in us.

Halle got tiffany to finally
introduce us to paris,

Glenn working on his app.

Even I see that I did
nothing to help her, again.

Family is supposed to

Get in the way for each other.

So she just gets to come in here

And write all
those awful things?

Oh, I'd write hateful
things about all of you

If I had a diary right now.

I just read what she wrote.

She threw her out of the house.

Because that's what I thought
everyone wanted me to do.

You said she was gonna publish
what she wrote about us.

And you humiliated her in front
of a room full of people.

And joan, you thought
her coming here

Was going to cost you something.

Well, the one you're
mad at is gone.

Hey, um...

Halle called me late last night.

She's not picking up
for me either.

We know where she is.
We know where she is.

Halle.

How did you...

I'm sorry I didn't
answer your calls, okay?

I left my phone at the house
again last night.

It all went
very left last night,

So I think I'm just
gonna go home.

Maybe if I get back
to chicago early enough,

I can go to eugene's dinner.

Yeah, but it's christmas.

I know, but I messed
everything up.

No, you... Not with me.

Look, halle, I don't blame
you for wanting to leave.

I don't, but...

We certainly don't
want you to go.

"We?"

Wait, how did you even
know I was here?

Tiffany and glenn told me.

I didn't realize you were gone

Until after I left
the house this morning.

I thought you'd spent christmas
morning with your family.

I wanted to spend
this one with you.

Merry christmas.

Choices and timing.

What was that?

Nothing.

Merry christmas.

Come on out, guys.

They wanted to surprise you.

Oh, my god.

We're sorry, halle.

Let's go home.

Yes. Let's go home.

On the way back to the hotel,
tiffany and I talked.

I wasn't even aware
that I went from

Calling the twins my kids before
drew, to my stepkids after.

Me being...

That careless just caused
them to pull away from me.

It never occurred to me that...

The distance between us
was my own fault.

How do I fix that?

Tiffany wouldn't have been
that candid with you

If she wasn't ready to fix it.

And I want you to
help me figure out

A role in the company
that will let you

Be there for drew, write your
book and whatever else you want.

It's important

That you return
on your own terms.

Sweetheart, you deserve it.

Thank you, memaw.

Merry christmas.

Ohh.

I wanted to start by saying
I'm sorry for what I wrote.

It was in a moment of
anger, after I'd been...

Oh, halle. We know.

I had writer's block,

But this family
inspired me to write

What my book is really
gonna be about.

I'm not just a pawn who gets
moved from home to home anymore.

So, what finally got you going?

All of you have touched my
heart in different ways.

I feel so connected
to all of you

In a way I've never felt before.

I'm new to the whole
family thing, but...

When you have one, you hold on.

Right, memaw?

Oh, that's right, baby.

So that's what
the book is about...

How I found myself
by finding you.

Sounds like a bestseller,
if you ask me.

Well, breakfast is now
brunch. Let's eat.

Devin, would you mind
helping me in the kitchen?

Yes, ma'am.

And I'll get drew.

Um, halle, can I have a moment?

Sure.

The gifts that you gave us,
they were so personal.

I figured you'd need
business cards

For your book signings
and whatever.

Well...

I wanted you to have this.

It belonged to your father.

And since h.d. Madison
and howard moore

Have the same initials,

I figured that belonged to you.

You got a first edition
of my book?

Well, I was writing you a note
this morning and I found it...

In howard's desk.

Thank you, joan.

I mean that.

Now let's go eat.

Come on.

Okay, everybody.
Christmas brunch is served.

Memaw, are y'all
trying to get me fat?

I can't wait for
you to meet eugene.

You're gonna love him.

I'm glad you came back. Me too.

Merry christmas, drew.

You're the best christmas
present there is.

Merry christmas.

Did you get all 12 gifts?

'Cause I took all

The hotel soaps in my room,
if you need them,

Okay. Alright.

Tiff.

I'm sorry.

Merry christmas.

Test your luck.

Halle? Hm?

Paris is back in l.a.

I sent her a pic of
me in this sweater,

And she used it in her post
making us official.

Aww, cute.

I'm glad we're even.

The sweater? No, tiff.
That's not my payback.

Whose car do you think
I took last night?

Ohh. Ohhh.

And I drove down all
the muddiest roads I could find.

We can get it from
the valet later, if you want.

Checkmate.

Well, we suffered a
major loss this year,

And we received a big win.

Welcome to our family.

To halle.

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas, family.

Aww. Okay, let's eat.

No, no, wait, wait. Wait, now.

Thank you for the food
we're about to receive,

And thank you for giving howard

The wisdom pulling us
all together at christmas.

Amen. Amen.

Alright. First things first.