[WIND WHISTLING]
[BIRD CAWING]
[♪♪♪]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[EXHALES SHARPLY]
[GASPS]
CHARLES: Got to move! Get the kids! We gotta get home!
Crazy woman.
[♪♪♪]
[ELEVATOR DOOR DINGS]
[SIGHS]
Ah, speak of the devil. How'd it go?Great.
Did you get your source?Absolutely.
Good.
Dana, we're gonna put Rosenblum on your story.
Excuse me?You're short on manpower.
And you know I hate losing to the Post.
We're not gonna lose to the Post.
Don't get me started on the Journal.
We're not gonna lose to the Journal.
Especially not with my help.
What are you gonna do?I got Sandberg.
You actually talked to him?
We're sitting down next week.When?
[STAMMERS]
I wanna hear everything you got by Monday's page-one meeting.
Meantime, you two exchange notes.
When next week?It's not set yet.
Oh. Okay, so all of this is predicated
on a meeting you don't actually have.
No, no, I said it's not set yet, but next week.
No, you said it wasn't set yet.No, I said it's not set, until--
Are you for real?No. Yes.
Uh, Dana?He just says "Sandberg,"
and suddenly he's on my story?Dana.
Because I've come to you a thousand times
and it's never been that easy.Yeah.
When you sit down with him, tell him I said hi.
SCHAEFER: Dana.Because I just had that meeting
that you think you're gonna get.Dana. Dana.
What?
Shit.
DANA: Hang on a minute.It's me.
I heard what happened.
Rosenblum is telling everybody he's on your story now.
Oh, I can't stand his little smug ass.
Why you still breastfeeding? Jordan's 1.
Because the World Health Organization recommends it
for up to two years and beyond.
Kid's got a mouth full of teeth, D.
He's gonna be able to spell "milk" pretty soon.
Doesn't it hurt?
It's a good way for us to stay close.
How you doing?My blouse is almost dry.
I'm not asking about your blouse.
Please don't isolate yourself.
I'm not isolated, we're talking right now.
You know what I mean, D. You work, you go home.
That's all you ever do.I'm a single mother.
All right. You're not gonna talk to me,
you better talk to someone.I am fine.
I don't think you're fine.
I would tell you if I wasn't.
Now, if you will excuse me,
I have to go make sure little Rosenblum stays off my story.
How you doing, Manny?Evening, Ms. Canedy.
Saw little man earlier. Not so little anymore.
Who are you telling?[CHUCKLES]
Hi. Sorry I'm late.
How is he?Taking his nap.
Still?
Hope he's not coming down with something.
No. No, that boy ran wild in the park.
I had to pry him away.Thank you, Kaleisha.
You should go on home.Okay, let me finish up,
and I'll see you tomorrow, all right? Okay.
[♪♪♪]
[SHOES CLATTER]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
[BABY CRYING]
Here I come.
Tell him everything, Ma.
[GASPS, PANTING]
DANA: "Dear Jordan,
I want you to know that it's all right for boys to cry.
Sometimes crying can release a lot of pain and stress.
It has nothing to do with your manhood."
Your father wrote that.
He wrote this whole thing. Just for you.
I thought you should hear it because...
[BREATHES DEEPLY] ...well, you cry a lot.
DANA: Dear Jordan, if you are reading this
it means that we got through the sorrowful years somehow,
and that you are old enough to understand
all that I am about to tell you.
The first time I saw your father, Charles Monroe King,
was in the living room of the house where I grew up.
It was the spring of 1998.
And I was visiting your grandfather for this birthday.
[LISA STANSFIELD'S "ALL AROUND THE WORLD" PLAYING ON RADIO]
DANA [SINGING ALONG]: ♪ Wasted too much time ♪
♪ Now I'm here and crying ♪
♪ I've been around the world ♪
♪ And I can't find my baby ♪
♪ I don't know when I don't know why ♪
♪ Why he's gone away ♪
♪ And I don't know Where he can be, my baby ♪
♪ But I'm gonna find him ♪
♪ I've been around the world ♪
♪ Looking for my baby ♪
♪ Been around the world ♪
♪ And I'm gonna I'm gonna find-- ♪
So, baby, how's Dwayne doing?
Mike, come on.Mama, I told you, we broke up.
Well, flames rekindle. Look at your brother.
Remember when he and Charlene fell out?
DANA: Yeah. I'm shocked she took him back.
Well, you never know. Did you call him?
Now, why would I do that?
You're the one who said he's so perfect. Mommy.
Works on Wall Street.Ma.
Ivy League.I know.
Speaks Italian.
We are not getting back together, okay?
It's over.You never know.
No, Mom. Some things you do know.
Well, well, well.
[CHUCKLES]GWEN: Oops. Sorry.
[SIGHS]
Grace?
Bless us, oh, Lord,
for these gifts we're about to receive from thy bounty
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Amen.Amen.
Amen.
Who's smoking reefer out here?
[COUGHING] Shit.[LAUGHS]
Y'all know this house is downwind, right?
You want a hit?You know I don't smoke.
You can't think when you're high.
Might help you relax.I'm relaxed.
You think I need to relax?
What? Do you?Girl, yes.
Okay, maybe I'm a little type A.A little?
[COUGHING]
They stress me out.
Why you think I'm staying at a hotel?
Same reason we out here getting high.
I just don't understand how she stays with him all these years.
She loves him.That is not love. It's fear.
She's scared to end up alone.
Is that how it is, Mike?
Huh?
Is that how it is being married?
Is what how it is?
[BOTH LAUGH]
Aren't you scared you're gonna end up alone?
No, not really.
Shit, sometimes I wish she would leave me alone.
But are you happy?Yeah.
We fight and shit, but yeah.See, there's hope.
Now I just gotta find the right guy.
Good luck.
Men are luxuries. Not necessities.
Damn.Damn.
I'm not playing.
Apparently not.
[ALL LAUGH]
It's cold, I'll see y'all inside.
All right.
♪ I believe in the power ♪
♪ And I never ever doubt ♪
♪ Every minute every hour I believe ♪
♪ I believe in myself ♪
♪ 'Cause I know I'll get my help from the-- ♪
Hi.Hi.
I'm a friend of your father's.
Oh.[CHUCKLES]
Are you Dana or Gwen?Dana.
The journalist.
And you are?
Oh. I'm, uh, First Sergeant Charles King, at your service.
Oh. You're a soldier.Yes, ma'am.
Your father was my drill sergeant back in the day.
I just came by to hang this for him.
Early birthday present.
761st Tank Battalion.
Some of the bravest men to fight in World War II.
Me and your dad are tankers, so we share a mutual admiration.
What do you think about it?
It's beautiful.
Is that pointillism?
CHARLES: Yes, ma'am, it is.
You know, like Georges Seurat.
Takes a bit more time, but I think it's worth it.
You drew that?Yes, ma'am.
[SOFTLY] Technically, it's a painting.
[NORMALLY] But I won't hold it against you.
You know, sarge talks about you a lot.
Does he?Nonstop. All three of you.
You're his pride and joy.
Is he here?Yes, ma'am.
He's out on the porch.
I told him to wait there while I finished hanging this.
Excuse me real quick.
Morning, Daddy.Oh, good morning.
Happy birthday.Oh...
I know it's not till tomorrow, but these are cigars,
so don't let Mommy see them.
Thank you, pumpkin.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
So your friend in there.
He finish putting my picture up yet?
Not yet. But you're gonna love it.
He's, uh, talented, isn't he? And good looking.
Did Gwen meet him yet?
No, she's been out with your mom all morning.
Oh...
Just tell him you forgot something at your hotel,
your sister wants to borrow your car.
Daddy.I'm just trying to help.
Don't.
Okay.
[SIGHS]
Excuse me? Hi.
Can I ask you a favor?
I left my cell phone back at my hotel,
and my sister needs to borrow my car when she gets back.
Would you mind giving me a ride?
You mind if I turn on the radio?
No, sure.
What kind of music do you like?
There should be a CD in there.
[THE SPINNERS' "SADIE" PLAYING]
♪ Early one Sunday... ♪
Oldies?Yeah, that's the Spinners.
♪ Breakfast was on the table ♪
You don't talk much, do you?Yeah, I do.
I mean, when I got something to say.
Okay.
So my dad was your drill sergeant?
Yes, ma'am.
He taught me how to be a soldier.
I'm lucky I met him. Both of your folks.
They've been there for me.
Good.
♪ Oh, Sadie ♪
♪ Don't you know we love you Sweet Sadie ♪
♪ Place no one above you Sweet Sadie ♪
[HONKING]Go! You want an invite?
Sorry.
You can take the girl out of the city...
you can't take the city out of the girl.
♪ It's what she wanted From me ♪
♪ Don't you know we love you Sweet Sadie ♪
♪ I know it's gonna be hard Some time ♪
♪ Place no one above you ♪
♪ Sweet Sadie ♪ ♪ Oh, Sadie ♪
DANA: You know I'm a journalist, so I have to ask.
My parents have been there for you how?
I'm going through a divorce.
Oh.
I'm sorry.Eh, don't be.
[SIGHS]
Your mom's a great listener,
and Pop always invites me over to watch ball games.
Pop?Yes, ma'am.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my parents,
but I don't think I would have made it through without yours.
Hmm.
Why do you seem so surprised?
You didn't grow up with them.
What about you?What about me?
You seeing someone?
I'm surprised my parents didn't tell you
since you all talk so much.
I'm single. Recently.
Hey, listen, I'm supposed to go to the house tomorrow
for the barbeque.
I could pick you up on my way if you want.
Yeah, that'd be great.
How's 0900?
Early.
That's perfect.
[SNORING]
[KNOCKING]
No housekeeping. Come back later.
It's Charles King.
Who?
First Sergeant Charles King.Oh, shit.
Uh, what-what time is it?
Uh, 8:49.
I asked for a wake-up call, I'm so sorry.
Don't worry about it.
I'll be right out.
I-it's okay. Take your time.
I won't be long. Sh--! I promise.
Whenever you're ready, I'll be here.
Shit! Shit!
I'm so sorry.It was worth the wait.
Um, hi.Hi.
Are you hungry?I could eat.
All right. After you.
♪ Let's go for broke... ♪
So, what made you join the Army?
The discipline. The travel.
And I love my country, so I always wanted to serve.
Plus, the camo just brings out my eyes.
It's a tough way to make a living.
Yes, ma'am, it is.
You know you don't have to call me ma'am.
I know. I don't want to either.
Belgian waffle. Side of hash browns.
Thank you.And...
I've got scrambled egg whites and oatmeal.
Perfect. Got you a little extra brown sugar.
You sure you don't want some fruit or something?
No, thank you. I'm fine. Thanks, ma'am.
You let me know if you need anything.
Excuse me. Hi.Hi.
I'm gonna need some hot sauce for those hash browns
and a little warm up, please.Sure thing.
So how long have you been in the Army?
Just one second, I'm sorry.
All right, thank you.
Uh, it's been 11 years.
I plan on doing another nine
and hopefully retiring a Sergeant Major.
Then I want to focus on my art.
Who's your favorite artist?You ask a lot of questions.
Occupational hazard.Mm.
Well, if you must know, I have two.
Georges Seurat?
Yeah.
And Claude Monet. You heard of him?
Of course.
He's my number one.
I mean, I mess around a bit with pointillism but Monet's style?
I mean, who's messing with him?
You, um, got a little bit right...
Oh.Some right here.
Other side.
Just-- All right, you smudged it. Let me...
You mind?Uh-- No.
Got a little bit. Yep.
Thanks.
Mm-hm.
You know, I saw some of Monet's work at the Met in New York.
I've never been to New York.
It's so different when you can see the brushstrokes up close.
And I've actually never seen a real Monet in person.
Mm.
You should get up there sometime.
To see the painting?
Maybe I will.
Ooh! Look at that.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah, baby.
CHARLES: Hey.Hey, Charles!
Hey, come on over and meet First Sergeant King.
Gentlemen.Just call them fellas.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
Why in the world would anybody want to do that?
I don't understand. You know what I'm saying?
Oh, what? It's not. You're getting very upset.
[IMITATING ENGINE DRONING]
[ALL LAUGH]
Well, I thought men were luxuries, not necessities.
You just wanna stand there or you gonna come help me?
You're lucky you saw him first.
Appreciate you coming by, son.I appreciate the food.
Anytime.Yeah.
We'll see you again soon, hon.
Okay?Yes. Of course.
You leaving already?I am. Yes, ma'am.
I mean, yes, I am.Are you sure?
I was just about to put out dessert.
I wish that I could.Fresh apple pie.
I got a phone date with my daughter.
Oh.
Yeah, she lives in Texas with her mother,
and I gotta catch her before she goes to sleep.
Of course.
Well, if you're ever in New York
and wanna see that Monet, look me up.
Will do.
Now, take care.You too.
[CHUCKLES]
What?
[CHAKA KHAN'S "I KNOW YOU, I LIVE YOU" PLAYING]
♪ Like I feel the sun In the morning ♪
♪ Like I see the moon At night ♪
♪ Like I feel the sun In the morning ♪
[RINGING]
[TV DRONING INDISTINCTLY]
Hello?
CHARLES: Hi, can I speak to Dana, please?
This is she. Hey.
This is First Sergeant Charles King.
Oh.
Hello, Charles.
My dad told me he gave you my number.
Three weeks ago.
Yeah. Um...
Is now a good time to talk?
[INHALES DEEPLY] Mm...
I am kind of in the middle of something.
Oh, okay, I can call you back.
No. No, that's fine. I have a few minutes.
Listen, Dana, I would have called you sooner.
But...
I just... I wanna be honest
and my divorce just got final.
I don't want to make things harder for you, Charles.
No, but you're not. You're not.
That's exactly why I'm calling you right now.
You've got your daughter to think about.
And I'm always gonna be thinking about her.
You know, it's not gonna change.
But I just want you to know
that you don't have anything to worry about.
I promise.
Fair enough.
Hello?
Dana, I want you to know I've been thinking about you.
A lot.
Well, you have had three weeks.
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Mommy ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
Okay, okay, let's blow them out. Ready?
[BOTH LAUGHING]
Yay!
Okay, now, let's get all sugared up.
Here we go.
[WHOOPING]
[NE-YO'S "MISS INDEPENDENT" PLAYING ON RADIO]
Okay.
All right, time out.
Mommy needs a little break.
Peek-a-boo, Daddy!
What are you talking about?
♪ I can't figure it out... ♪
What?Okay.
What are you looking at?
[RADIO STOPS PLAYING]
What are you saying, silly boy?
Peek-a-boo, Daddy!
[♪♪♪]
[STEVIE WONDER'S "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE" PLAYING]
[PHONE RINGING]
♪ For once in my life I have someone... ♪
Hello?
Hey, it's Charles. How you doing?
[SIGHS] Better now.
There's barely any Black people, let alone Black women.
No second chances if I mess up.
It's like I'm the standard bearer
for every other Black person who wants to work there.
I understand that.
But you do love what you do, right?
It's the New York Times. Of course I love it.
For a journalist, that's the dream come true.
It's the only time I hate New York, when it's hot and muggy.
CHARLES: New York is not hot. Iraq, now, that's hot.
DANA: You've been to Iraq?
Kuwait too. Desert Storm.
Wow, was it bad?
Bad enough.
Listen, can I call you back later?
I got a meeting with the brass in a few,
and I do not want to be late.
Yeah, of course. Call me tomorrow.
All right, bye.
Bye.
Hang up.
You hang up.
No, you hang up.
Are we really doing this right now?
I guess we are.
Okay.
[CHUCKLES] Are you gonna hang up the phone?
Bye.
So do you think you'll want more kids?
Definitely. I always wanted a big family.
How's your daughter handling it?
Christina? She's great.
Beautiful. She listens. Smart.
Lot smarter than me, I'll tell you that.
Hold on one second.
Um...
You know, it was, uh...
It was stressful.
It was stressful for everybody.
Well, how did you handle it?
How did I handle it? It was, um...
I felt like a failure.
Tried to make it work.
But, you know, we were young.
We were kids trying to figure it out and...
you know, we both were to blame, you know, so...
It hurt.
Well, I'm sorry you were hurt.
Hey, no, it's...
You know, I'm doing good.
And I love being a father.
You know, one of the best things that ever happened to me.
And if I didn't go through that,
I wouldn't be talking to you, so...
DANA: Sometimes after dinner,
my father would announce he was going to buy milk.
I never understood how my mom could just sit there
with her head down.
She knew he was having an affair.
Hell, the whole town did.
One night, I came down with this terrible flu,
and my mom had to borrow the neighbor's car
to take me to the hospital.
And I just remember lying there on that back seat, delirious.
When I lifted my head up,
I saw we were driving around
a parking lot of a bar on the base.
How old were you?I was 7.
She was looking for his car.
Did she ever find it?No.
He used to say that she trapped him
by getting pregnant with me.
She was just as trapped as he was.
Wow.
How'd that make you feel?
Now, see... Mm-mm.
You are all up in my business.
Trying to get me all open.
Well, sounds a little too late for that.
What did you say?
You heard me.
No, I'm just playing.
Enough about me.
So, what do you do?
When you're not turning young men into soldiers.
Well, if I'm not drawing or painting...
probably in the gym.
Okay. I like the gym too.
For the massages, and the little smoothies at the juice bar.
Are you telling me you go to the gym and you don't work out?
Well, I'm not exactly the workout type.
But I stay active.
It's a walking city.
Well, the massages
or juices, smoothies, all that,
whatever it is you're doing...
it's working.
I think you are beautiful.
So you like this guy or not?I can't. He's a soldier.
My dad was a soldier.
It's not like he walks around in uniform all the time.
That shit would be hot though, boo-boo.
Oh, girl!
And he's divorced.
And he has a 9-year-old daughter.
So?Is he a good dad?
He seems like it.
I don't know. I don't know.
He is not exactly my type.
Look, you said he was nice, right?
Mm-hm.
And he's cute too?God, yes.
So, what's your problem?
Are you too good for him?
You little bougie bitch.
I barely know him.
We've only talked on the phone.
If you decide to let him visit, don't shave your legs.
What?I know you.
There is no way you would ever sleep with a guy,
at least not the first time,
without exfoliating, moisturizing, and shaving.
God, it's true.
Same.
Sorry I can't come pick you up.
Don't worry about it. I know you got work.
If you get lucky with traffic, you should be here about 2:30.
You know, I could just stay in a hotel.
It's not a problem.
Of course not. Don't be silly.
I mean, unless-- Well, do you wanna stay at a hotel?
No. No, I'm good.
Good. Okay, good.
Oh, and by the way, that cab ride from LaGuardia
shouldn't cost you more than 30 bucks.
I usually tip if he helps me with my bags.
And don't let him take the Queensboro Bridge.
Okay, general.
Hopefully, all my training
and the tank battles I survived in Iraq
have prepared me enough for New York City.
As you were, Negro.
And if I don't make it... Oh, God.
I want you to know that I tried.
Can you call my mama for me and just tell her that I love her?
Charles, you can stop now.
Guess what.
Huh?
Guess.What?
Chicken butt.
You are so corny.
Get off the phone!
[PHONE RINGS]
Hey, are you there?
Yes, ma'am. I'm right here.
I'm sorry, Manny.
No problem, Ms. Canedy.
Your guest has arrived. Do you want me to send him up?
Yes, please. I left the key for him.
Yes, ma'am, I got it right here.
Can you put him on real quick?
Sure. She wants to talk to you.
Hey, just wanna let you know that I made it in safe.
Mission accomplished.
[CHUCKLES] Happy to hear.
So I'm not gonna be home for another couple hours.
Yeah, that's fine. I got my sketchbook with me,
so handle your work.Okay.
Help yourself to anything in the fridge.
I'll do that. See you later?[MOUTHS] It's him.
Can you put Manny back on? Sure. Hold on.
MANNY: Yes, ma'am.
Manny, it's his first time in New York,
help him if he needs anything. Yes, ma'am.
Can you see if he has on kind of worn-out sneakers?
Probably dirty?Yes, ma'am.
Okay. You can send him up. All right.
She says you can go on up.
All right, perfect.
Thanks, man.You got it.
He there?
Mm-hm.
What are you doing? Get out of here!
No! I have too much work to do.
Work, shmerk! Go get some!
[♪♪♪]
DANA: Here you go.
MANNY: Ms. Canedy.Manny.
[CHUCKLES]
[LOCK CLICKS]
Hey, you.
How was your day?
It was good.
How was your flight?
It was good.
Welcome home.
[CHUCKLES]
Mm.
You smell good.Thank you.
I got something for you.
This is for you.
Oh, my God.
You like it?
I do.
I really tried to imagine you in my head.
What?I'm lying.
I used that photo over there.Oh, my God.
Glad you like it.
So I know you just got here,
but we should probably talk about sleeping arrangements.
I have a sofa bed. It's pretty comfortable.
That's fine.
I have no problem sleeping on the couch.
Why you look nervous?
What did you think I was gonna say?
I don't look nervous.
I just didn't want to set up any unrealistic expectations.
Mm-hm. Well, I expect to have a good time.
I'm not worried. I'll be with you.
Okay. Have we decided?We have. Uh...
I'm ready. Are you?Yeah.
What is that?Olive oil.
I'll have the linguini with clam sauce, please,
and a caprese salad to start.Absolutely.
And for you, sir?I'll have the Caesar salad.
That's it?
I'm sorry, can you give us one minute?
Of course.Thank you.
What?
You can get a Caesar salad anywhere.
Try the pasta.That's a lot of carbs.
You eat mess hall food all day. Come on.
How do you know what I like to eat? Hmm?
Well, at least get some grilled chicken in it or something.
Okay.
I really am glad you're here.
I just want you to enjoy your weekend and a have good--
You taste like oregano.
What kind of theater is that?
That's an off-Broadway theater.
So we're near Broadway.No.
See, there's off-Broadway, and there's off-off-Broadway.
Okay, so is there anything actually on Broadway?
[CHUCKLES] Yes, but it's not about the street.
It's all about the size of the house.
The house?How many seats there are.
In the house?Yes.
Okay. In a theater house.Yes.
Just like I thought.
Charles, please. I appreciate the manners,
but you can't keep walking on the outside of the sidewalk.
It's New York. There are too many people.
I'm sorry. I just can't help it.
Just-- It's a force of habit.
You know what? No, I'm sorry. Thank you.
The world needs more gentlemen.
That's an off-off-Broadway kiss.
That's an off-Broadway kiss.
And this is...
Broadway.
And the Tony Award for best kiss goes to...
No, hold on a second. Who the hell is Tony?
Easy.
Uh, I'm gonna go freshen up really quick.
There's water and stuff in the fridge,
so help yourself to whatever.Okay.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SOFTLY] She's so fine.
No.
Do you need anything?
Uh, yeah, maybe just a couple extra pillows and a blanket.
That red wine got me sleepy.
I was thinking maybe you could sleep on one side of the bed.
If you want.
Yeah. Yeah, that'd be cool.
[WATER RUNNING]
[CLEARS THROAT]
We should stop.
Huh?
Yeah, sorry. Uh... It's all that oregano.
Good night.
[CHARLES GRUNTING, PANTING]
Who travels with exercise equipment?
I do.
You slept good.I slept well.
You slept well.
Now, you need to put all that away.
I have not had my coffee yet.
I remembered. You like it black, right?
Yes, I do.
All right, so I'm gonna need you to get up,
get in the shower, get dressed, then we'll go for a run.
But I wanna see more of your city. Okay?
[LAUGHS]
And I wanna see more of your city.
I'll take your state, your zip code.
I wanna see your area code.
I wanna see your social security number.
I wanna see your passport,
your military ID, your blood type.
Show it all to me.
Oh, my God! I wanna see it all!
[♪♪♪]
Mmm!Mm-hm.
Mm-hm.I told you.
You really trying to corrupt me.You know you like it.
So when are you gonna show me this Monet?
Saving the best for last.
You know, I can't show you the whole city in one weekend.
Then I guess I gotta come back.
Wait.What? What?
I have to take a shower.Now?
Yes, now. Because.No, no, why?
No.No.
I'll be right back.
[DOOR OPENS]
I'll keep that in mind.
Close the drapes.
I got you.
[♪♪♪]
Slow down.
You like it?
I love it.
It's so beautiful.
Thank you.
[IMITATING BUGLE PLAYING "REVEILLE"]
What?
What are you doing up before me?
We've only got four days, soldier.
It's Christmas time in New York.
Up and at them.
[DONNY HATHAWAY "THIS CHRISTMAS" PLAYING]
♪ Hang all the mistletoe I'm gonna-- ♪
Are you done yet?
CHARLES: Yeah.
Well, come on out. Let me see.
Charles, get out here, please.
Oh, yes.
I-I don't know.
Let's try the blazer. Come on.
I look like somebody's accountant.
Mm-hm. A fine one.
And do you know how expensive these clothes are?
It's a Christmas gift.
No, I can't let you do that.I want to.
I know you don't care about clothes.
Because clothes don't make the man, baby.
But the man can make the clothes, baby.
Besides, you work hard.
You deserve more than just baggy jeans and T-shirts.
I like my jeans.Okay.
Well, what about the grandpa sneakers?
Grandpa?
The only place you should be wearing those to is the gym.
They're practical and comfortable.
And those aren't? Come on, now.
Don't act like you don't like it.
Look at you. Smile. See?
Fine.
I'm keeping my sneakers, I'm paying for half.
Charles!Half!
Baby.Hmm?
I want you to be my girlfriend.
What?
I want you to be my lady. Like, officially.
What do you mean, like, go steady?
You know exactly what that means. Heh.
That's funny?No. It's just--
It's just what?We're grown.
Yeah. We're grown enough to commit to one another.
Charles.
Don't say my name like that.
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
Can we talk about this later?I want to now.
We have guests.They can wait.
Please?
DANA: Merry Christmas!CIRO: Hi.
ROBIN: Merry Christmas!
♪ Have yourself A merry little Christmas ♪
However, I don't want her hurt.
I don't want her hurt.No, no.
That's not my intention at all.
I know it's not your intentions, but it may happen.
He actually said officially?
That's the sweetest thing I ever heard. Oh, my God.
To die for.It is so corny.
But he can't help it. He's military.
You can't help it. You're falling for him.
Yeah, you're sprung, boo-boo.I am not.
I've never seen you like this before.
Like what?Like you like him.
Of course I like him.No, I mean, you "like" like him.
Like you really like him.
I want a drink.You want wine or--
It's Christmas, I need a drink. I need a drink.
But you're gonna be good to her.Yes, yes, ma'am, I am.
You said--No, no, I want Scotch.
You weren't kidding about his ass.
You could bounce a quarter off that thing.
'Tis the season.Ho, ho, ho.
Just tell me one thing.Hmm?
Is he good in bed?
Now, you know we wouldn't be talking if he weren't.
[ALL EXCLAIM]
Good God.
I don't want that.Yeah.
She's a good girl.She is a very good girl.
She was a-- Don't talk to me like that.
No, no, like a nice girl.
Julie?DANA: Yeah, Ms. Judy.
Yeah, she could talk. She could talk.
So you gonna answer my question?What question?
The one we were talking about earlier.
Charles, you know I care about you.
Why do we have to define our relationship?
Because we have one.But what's the hurry?
There's no hurry. We've just been together for six months.
I don't wanna give up my career to follow you around
to different military bases.
Well, who said anything about that?
And you don't even live here.
You seeing somebody else?What?
Are you seeing somebody else?No.
I'm serious.
No. I'm not.
I would never ask you to give up your career just to follow me.
You know that, right?
Yeah, I know.
I'm not saying this is gonna be easy, but we can make this work.
How can you be so sure?
I can't.
I can't predict the future either,
but I know we got a shot at one.
Do you trust me?
Yeah.
Then be my girlfriend. Officially.
I already am.
[♪♪♪]
You know you could've told me that earlier, right?
I had to make you work for it.
Now it's about to be your turn.
Lead the way.
Leave them open.
Baby.
Slow down, slow down, slow down.
Hold up.
Do you want a ride?
Now, you know you don't wanna drive to the airport
this early in the morning.
It's freezing out.
And you could put this one under the tree.
Another one?This is for Manny.
The doorman?
It's a Mets hat. He's from Queens.
I didn't know you two were friends.
We're buddies.
Oh, buddies.
Bet you didn't know he was a marine.
No. He never mentioned it.
That's because you two aren't buddies.
This is for you.
It's a bunch of grandpa music?
Hey, that's grown man music right there.
Crazy woman.
Am I?
What?Crazy.
Absolutely not.
I'm gonna call you when I land.Be careful.
I will.
You know, you can leave some of your new stuff here.
I can clear out some closet space.
If you want.
[♪♪♪]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[PHONE RINGING]
CHARLES: Hello?DANA: Guess what.
CHARLES: Chicken butt.
DANA: I'm serious.
CHARLES [CHUCKLES]: Okay, what?
DANA: We're doing a whole series on race in America.
I'm writing one of the stories,
and they want me to be an editor too.
This is the biggest opportunity they've ever given me.
CHARLES: Hey! Congratulations.
DANA: But if I don't nail this,
my career at theTimes will literally be over.
Woman, please. No, no, I'm not kidding.
They'll fire me.
I can't lose this job, Charles.
New York is too expensive, and...
Stop. Listen, they picked you because you're qualified
and you do outstanding work.
I'm proud of you.
Thank you, baby.
And I can't wait to read what you write.
I gotta start flying to Akron once a week
before I write anything.
Not looking forward to that.
Okay, well, just give me a couple weeks.
Let me get my new soldiers squared away,
and I'll see if I can fly down.
Really? Yeah.
I'd love that.
[KEYPAD BEEPING]
[LINE TRILLING]
You've reached First Sergeant Charles King.
Please leave a message after the beep.
[BEEPS]Hey, sweetie.
I made it back to Akron.
I think all this traveling has got me sick.
Thank you.Thank you.
Anyways, I, uh-- I can't wait to see you.
Call me later. Bye.
[LINE TRILLING]
You've reached First Sergeant Charles King.
Please leave a message after the beep.
Charles, where are you?
Starting to get worried.
[PHONE RINGING]
Charles?CHARLES: Hey, baby.
Where are you? I'm at the hospital.
One of my soldiers' wives just had a baby.
Well, I've been calling you.
I'm sorry. I had to come to the hospital to help him.
Help him what?
Dana, he's 19 years old.
You know, he was scared. He needed me.
Well, they don't have phones at the hospital?
It was pretty hectic in here.
I tried, but I couldn't get away.
Well, since when is delivering babies
a part of your job description?
How about we both get some sleep tonight,
and we'll talk about it in the morning?
It is morning. And I'm sick as a dog
and stuck in Akron, Ohio, waiting for you.
I thought you were in a plane crash.
I-I'm sorry. I should've called you,
but you know I have to be there for my men.
And what about me?
Your official girlfriend.
I haven't seen you in two months.
Baby, it's only been six weeks.
Okay, I don't think you understand how hurt I am.
Dana, his wife had complications.
Well, what kind?
I don't know exactly.
So, you've been there all night and you don't know anything?
All I know is that she needed a C-section.
Hmm. I see.
So maybe you're the one that's seeing someone else.
What? That why you missed your flight?
What? No. No. No.
You wanna talk to him? He's in the other room with his wife.
Charles, you can get your soldiers
to say anything that you want.
Come on, Dana, you're talking crazy.
Crazy? I have been sitting in a hotel room for hours
waiting on you.Why would I lie?
You did not even bother to call me
to let me know that you're not coming.
Relax.I don't need to relax.
We're-- You-- I can't do this. Goodbye.
[CLEARS THROAT]
[♪♪♪]
Hey, Manny.Welcome back, Ms. Canedy.
You got a delivery earlier.
I hope you don't mind, I put it upstairs.Thanks.
What are you doing here?
Dana, I screwed up. And I'm sorry.
No, no, you can't just show up like this.
We haven't spoken in weeks.
Because you won't return my calls.
Because I didn't wanna talk to you.
I'm sorry I didn't show up in Akron.
You're right. I should've called you that night.
I had no idea where you were.
Or who you were with.
I wasn't with anybody.
Dana.
Baby.
I'm-- I'm not your father.
I will never be with another woman.
I love you.
You don't love me.I do.
No, you love your men.
I'm just better looking.No. Dana.
I love you.
I might've given you a reason to leave me, but...
I'm never gonna leave you.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm not going anywhere.
You can trust that. Okay? You can trust that.
Okay? Okay?
[♪♪♪]
I love you so much. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You know, it's not a bad color on you.
Sometimes I forget you're a soldier.
Can I ask you a question?
Have I ever been able to stop you?
What's combat like?
My dad never talks about Vietnam.
You never talk about Iraq.
To be honest, I don't remember much.
Smells.
Sounds.
Training kicks in, so it's kind of a blur.
Were you scared?
Of course I was.
Have you ever actually killed someone?
[SIGHS]
How can you be a soldier and believe in God?
[HELICOPTER WHIRRING SOFTLY]
I believe in evil too.
Protecting people who can't protect themselves.
[CHANTING] Hard work work! Hard work work!
And everyone's doing another formation.
Hey! What's wrong with you, boy?
Get your ass out of the line. What's wrong with you, boy!
Get your ass over here. What's wrong with you?
Your ass is out of formation. March now! March!
You know what I'm talking about? They're sitting here, waiting.
Yes, first sarge.Wagon wheel!
Are you out of your mind?No, first sarge.
We're out in the streets, taking fire,
you looking real weak here.
You see these guys?Yes.
They're willing to take a bullet and die for you.
Look at them. They're willing to die for you.
You tired? You tired?Yes, first sarge.
Keep moving your feet.
I'm gonna put you on my back. It's no man left behind.
No man left behind, you hear me?Yes, first sarge.
Do I need to carry you?No.
Get on my back and I'll carry you!No!
I know you're still smoking those cigarettes.
Yes, first sarge.You gotta get off that stuff.
Come on. Get in my formation, let's go.
Let's go! Work, work.
Come on, Imhoff! No more slow asses, you feel me?
There it is. Let him hear it!ALL: Hard work work.
Hard work work.Work work.
Hard work work.
Excuse me.
[PHONES RINGING][CLAMORING]
Excuse me, sorry.
[RINGING]
Charles? Dana.
You okay?Hey. Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
You're safe?Yes, I'm safe.
Where are you? I'm at the office.
You watching this?
Oh, my God. Oh, my God![PEOPLE SCREAMING]
REPORTER: Another plane has just hit into another building.
I want you to go home and don't leave.
Call your parents, tell them not to leave the house.
Don't do anything till you hear from me, got it?
Yeah. Yes, I got it. I got it! Nothing.
All right, I gotta go.Charles. Wait.
Yes?Please be careful.
You too.
Okay. All right, bye.
[THE MAIN INGREDIENT'S "YOU'VE BEEN MY INSPIRATION" PLAYING]
♪ When you've found a girl With loving charms ♪
♪ It's mellow Oh, yeah ♪
Hey, sweetie. How was school?Fine.
[DOOR SLAMS]
May I come in?No.
Do you wanna talk?No.
Jordan Monroe King, look at me.
Oh, my God, baby, what happened?I got in a fight.
With who?Lance.
Oh, I'm calling the principal.
And I wanna talk to that boy's parents.
Mom, no.
Snitches get stitches.What?
If I snitch, I'm dead.
Jordan, why were you fighting?
They called me a wigger. A white nigger.
They say all kinds of stuff.Like what?
Like if I'm Black, how come I'm not good at basketball?
Oh, sweetie.
They said my dad wasn't a soldier.
They said if he's Black, he's probably in prison.
Okay.
Come with me.
Take your coat off. Sit down.
Am I in trouble?No.
Read it.
Out loud.
"Jordan, you are African-American.
No one can ever take that away from you.
You will be challenged
because of your complexion and the color of your eyes.
But let your character and deeds shine in everything you do.
And never forget where you came from."
[♪♪♪]
What's this?
Your dad wrote it.
He wrote everything in there just for you.
You're old enough now, so I want you to read it.
Every word.
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Dana ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
[ALL CHEER]
Y'all know it's not my birthday.
Are y'all trying to scam free dessert?
Well, you wouldn't let us celebrate last year,
and I know how much you hate it on the actual day, so...
Make a wish.
Whoa!
You guys.Open mine first.
Fine.
[LAUGHING]
Is this what I think it is?Mm-hm.
If you won't let me set you up on dates,
you should at least have some pleasure.
I go on dates.
Three dates and a one-night stand
in over a decade does not count.Mm-hm.
Well, do I have to plug it in?Plug it in.
And then work your way up to the highest setting.
Slowly.Not too slowly.
You have one too?Oh, yeah.
Yeah, we all do.Better than most boyfriends.
No, I don't know about that, boo-boo.
Well, I do.
It's better than my husband half the time,
I'll tell you that.
Shit, wish I could plug his ass in.
Woof.DANA: Oh.
[WHIRRING SLOWLY]
[CLICKS, WHIRRING FASTER]
Oh.
Mom, what's that?
Uh...
It's a massager. For tension. What's up?
You think we could go see my sister in Texas soon?
Christina? Of course, baby.
We should see her more.
My dad said he wanted us to get to know each other.
Well, we can do that. Come here.
How come you barely ever talk about him?
Well, sometimes, it hurts to remember.
But I think about him all the time.
And I write about him too. That makes me feel better.
[♪♪♪]
Why don't we have any pictures of him?
We do.
Just that one on your desk with the balloons.
We'll put more up.
With the folded flag, like Nana and Grandpa King have?
Well, the Army only gives those to the family at the funeral.
We're his family.We are.
But technically, I'm not.
Your father and I never got married.
My fellow citizens, at this hour,
American and coalition forces are in the early stages
of military operations to disarm Iraq,
to free its people,
and to defend the world from grave danger.
On my orders, coalition forces
have begun striking selected targets of military importance
to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war.
Hello?CHARLES: Hey.
Hey, oh, my God, you scared me.
I'm sorry. You okay?Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
Oh, I got your painting. It's beautiful. I love it.
I'm glad you like it.
Baby, uh, listen.Yeah?
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
What's wrong?
Nothing. Nothing.What?
I got my orders for Iraq.
When do you deploy?
I don't know.
We transfer out to Fort Irwin tomorrow.
California? Yeah.
When can I see you?
That, I don't know.
Charles, I need to talk to you.
Call me back right away. It's an emergency.
[PHONE RINGING]
Charles?CHARLES: What's wrong?
Is that gunfire?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I'm at the range.
Is everything okay?
I need to see you. When can you come home?
Are you okay?
Yes, but I don't wanna talk about it on the phone.
Cease fire!Cease fire!
Cease fire!Talk about what?
Can you come this weekend? Please?
Baby, I can't just leave like that.
Okay, well, maybe I can come and see you.
Dana, tell me what's wrong.
I wanna have a baby.
What?
I wanna get pregnant.
Now?
Yes. Now.
Commence fire!Commence fire!
Where's all this coming from?
Because I wanna live life,
and not just report on it.
And I wanna live it with you so please have a baby with me.
Absolutely.
Well, you don't wanna take a second to think about it?
I'm not asking you for a puppy.
I don't need to think about it. Are you sure?
You're the one who doesn't sound too sure, Dana.
I just don't understand how you can make a decision so quickly.
Because I made my mind up a long time ago.
Well, what if I can't get pregnant?
Marry me.What?
Marry me.
Okay.
Okay?
So is that a yes?
Charles Monroe King, yes. I will marry you.
[WHOOPS]
Cease fire! Cease fire!Cease fire!
She said yes.Sir?
CHARLES: I'm getting married!
Hoo-ah!
ALL: Hoo-ah!
[CHUCKLES] You heard that?
[LAUGHS]
DANA: What is this?JORDAN: A gift.
We're going to see Dad.
Jordan, I have work. You have school.
Mom. It's on a weekend.
It's only Washington, D.C., it's not that far.
Baby, give me and your auntie a minute, please.
Good luck.
You have no right to do this, Miriam.
The hell I don't.
He's my godson. I love him too.
Who's paying for this?It's taken care of.
So this was your idea?No. Jordan's.
He e-mailed me. He needs this trip.
You both do.
Hey.
Listen, it's not like Charles left you with nothing.
We both know that little man in there is special.
And he needs you right now.
[♪♪♪]
He's not gonna be a kid forever.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
PILOT [OVER PA]: Sorry, folks. We're headed for more choppy air.
Please return to your seats,
and keep your seatbelts securely fastened.
Hey.Hi.
What's up, beautiful? No, no, don't get up.
I'm fine.
Ooh.
You... Look at you.
Mwah!
Welcome home.Wow, it's good to be back.
We missed you.Oh, yeah? I missed you too.
A-ten, hut!No.
Mm-mm.What?
No soldiers in this house.
Oh. Just me?Just you.
There we go. A little head.
Spine.
And heartbeat.
Dana, thank you. I love you.I love you too.
You guys wanna know the sex?
Yes.Yes.
It's a boy.I knew it. Yes! It's a boy.
What's up, little fella? How you doing? It's Papa.
[LAUGHS]
I knew it was a boy, I knew it.
Doc, can you take a picture?
Charles.Just one.
Sure.I'm sorry.
Say, "It's a boy."
BOTH: It's a boy.
CHARLES: There's enough money in these accounts,
so you can withdraw whenever you need to.
My combat pay gets deposited on the 15th of every month.
I'm not gonna need to spend much over there,
so it's gonna add up.
Okay?
This is a power of attorney, so you can sign
for military dependent benefits.DANA: Can I ask you a question?
CHARLES: Yeah. Sure.
DANA: When people go to war,
what do they do about sex?
[SCOFFS]
I don't know. I never think about it.
I'm more worried about getting shot than I am horny.
I was just thinking that if you need sex in Iraq,
I mean, to help you get through it,
I want you to know that you have my permission.
Have you lost your mind?I'm serious.
Me too.If you need human contact
or someone to hold,Dana, stop.
or to be held, I don't want you-- Dana, stop.
Dana, I don't want another woman.
And I'll never disrespect you or my son like that.
I hope you don't expect me to extend that same offer
because you better keep that shit locked up.
[LAUGHS]
Shut up.I ain't laughing.
Okay.
I want you to keep this some place safe.
Just in case something happens to me.
Nothing is going to happen to you.
I know, but I don't want you to worry
I got you something.
about funeral arrangements or anything like that.
What's this?It's a journal.
So you can write to your son.
Even if it's just a page or two.
Open it.
[♪♪♪]
I, uh...
I don't know what to say. What do I write?
Well, it's especially for dads,
so there's some questions to get you started.
Tell him who you are.
What you believe in.
And tell him you love him.
Just so he knows.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
CHARLES: Jordan, always remember,
your thoughts and actions
must be open to change and improvement.
But your convictions must be non-negotiable.
So live by your convictions.
And on your journey, if you ever get down
and feel like you need to talk to someone,
then talk to the one who can do something about it.
Mom. Mom.Yes?
You said my dad couldn't come home when I was born.
No, sweetie.Why not?
CHARLES: Ma, can you hear me?
DANA: Yeah. Yeah, I can hear you. Hi, baby.
Hey, baby girl. How you doing?
I'm, uh... I'm good.
Hang on, hang on. Say hi to your son.
Hey, what's up, soldier? A-ten, hut!
Oh, he's kicking. He's kicking?
He hears you. He hears you.
Yeah, he know Daddy voice.
We miss you.I miss you too.
How are you?
Well, "gainfully employed"
would definitely be an understatement, but...
Sorry I haven't called you.
Mm-hm. It's been three weeks.
Where are you? I wanna look at it on my map.
You know I can't tell you that.
Thank you for my pictures, though.
You look beautiful. I mean, shit!
I'm loving the belly.
Yeah, it's easy for you to say.
You're not the one who has to carry him around.
It's true, it's true.
Can't wait to meet him. You and me, both.
You know, hold him.
Which reminds me, you need to tell me when you're coming,
so I can set a date to be induced.
Yeah, uh... I don't know yet.
Well, you must have some idea.
Haven't you put in a request for your leave?
No. Not yet.
Well, you're cutting it kind of close.
What are you waiting for?
Charles?
I don't know.
You don't know what?
Charles?
Yes, ma'am.
What are you telling me?
Let's go, let's go. Move it, come on.
You're not coming, are you?
Hello?
Ma, I just need you to please, just try to understand.
We got in country a couple months ago.
I can't do this without you. My guys are not--
No, Charles, you promised me.Things change.
But you promised me.We adapt. That's what we do.
I'm having your baby.
I'm responsible for an entire company.
If my men got killed while I was gone, I wouldn't forgive myself.
That can happen whether you are there or not.
It's not like I'm asking you to go on a cruise.
I can't do this. Just breathe. Charles, please.
You promised me.You know I love you.
We need you as much as they do. I love you so much.
Give me some time.Please, Charles,
I am begging you.
Charles?I love you.
We're moving out.
I gotta go. I'll call you soon.No. Don't get off this phone.
Charles? No, no, no. Charles?All right.
[YELLS]
[♪♪♪]
CHARLES: Son, I couldn't be at your birth because of the war.
And I hope you and your mother can forgive me.
Every time I roll out of that gate,
I pray I don't run out of time.
Time with you, time with your mother.
So much to do, Jordan.
But I have faith that you are safe and sound.
Because you're surrounded by strong women.
These are your first teachers, little prince.
[SCREAMING]
And all of these women
embody the reasons you should never, ever disrespect
or lay your hand against any woman.
The woman you choose to be your partner
should guard your friendship first, son.
DOCTOR: You're doing good, good!
LIEUTENANT COLONEL: Company, attention!
CHARLES: And just like you, she should be honorable.
And take pride in how she carries herself.
But remember...
Here we go! Here we go, push!
...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Roll call!
And real beauty comes from deep inside.
He's here.He's coming, he's coming!
PFC Coats!
Here, first sergeant!
Private Bryant!Here, first sergeant!
Just take one look at your mother,
and that'll tell you what I think beautiful is.
[JORDAN CRYING]
CHARLES: Corporal Light!
Corporal Robbie Light!
Corporal Robbie Glen Light!
[PLAYING "TAPS" ON BUGLE]
Welcome home, Daddy.
Come meet your son.
Hey. Hey.
Oh, my God.
Hey. Hi.
Hi.
This boy is so special.It's okay.
You gonna be a blessing to everybody you meet.
I know, Daddy's home. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Someone else thought I was his nanny today.
He's so light-skinned, no one thinks he's mine.
He just gets that from my mom.
So you know what I did?What?
I pulled out my boob and I breastfed him right there,
in front of her.
Lucky I didn't squirt milk on her little punk ass.
Guess I gotta get you a ring, then.
[COUGHING]
Man, white people, they won't think twice.
Are you all right?Yeah.
It's just asthma.
Since when do you have asthma?
Our base is by a power plant.
Doc said I probably got it there. It's nothing.
Are you sure?Yes.
Don't worry about it.
But I'm serious, though.
I can get you a ring.
We could do the whole thing while I'm in town.
What whole thing?
Jordan could be my best man, we can get him a little tux.
You mean get married.Why not?
No. I don't wanna cram our whole lives into one visit.
I want a real wedding.
With white calla lilies,
and flower girls in tulle dresses.
What kind of dresses?Tulle.
And look, you've got six weeks left.
I can wait.
Then so can I.
CHARLES: ♪ I left my home To join the Army ♪
♪ Join the Army The day I left... ♪
Charles?Yeah?
[JORDAN COOING]
♪ Jumped in a plane ♪
♪ Jumped in a plane I left... ♪
Hey, we got a surprise for you.
Oh, no, you don't.Mm-hm.
We have enough soldiers in the family.
All right, fine. I'll wait till he's 18,
and take him down to the recruiters.
But in the meantime,Comfy.
put this on.What is this?
Just trust us. Go.
♪ And join the Army ♪
♪ Join the Army ♪
Where are we?
♪ I said we're moving on up Moving on up ♪
♪ To the East Side ♪
I know we're in the East Side.
♪ To a deluxe apartment In the sky ♪
And I know we're in the park.
♪ Oh, moving on up ♪Oh, my God.
♪ Moving on up To the East Side ♪
♪ We finally got Our piece of the pie ♪
Why are you doing this?
♪ Beans don't burn in the grill It took a whole lot of trying ♪
You're so loud. Charles.
♪ To set this surprise for you ♪
♪ Now we're up In the big league ♪
♪ We're taking our turn at bat ♪
BOTH: ♪ Long as we living It's you and me baby ♪
♪ Ain't nothing wrong With that ♪
Be quiet!
All right, you can take it off.
Thank you.
Olive oil. Extra virgin. Just like you...
used to be.Shut up.
[♪♪♪]
Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo!
He's just a biscuit, I just wanna eat him up.
What's up, little soldier? What's going on?
Can I get a membership into your little boys' club?
I don't know, biscuit, what do you say?
Should we let her in our club?
Hmm?
What's that?
He said your application's pending.
Pending?He calls the shots.
As much as I whip my boobies out to feed him?
That's a good point. Hold, please.
You sure? I don't know.
She's good looking.
All right. Okay, okay, fine.
On account of the booby thing, he said okay.
Biscuit. Biscuit.
[HELICOPTER WHIRRING]
Sweetie, you okay?
[COUGHING]
Charles.
Ain't that right, biscuit?
Everything's good. My little man.
I don't want this one.
Which one?
Is this you?
How about this one?
I don't want this one either.
Can't you just go AWOL and stay here with us?
So you wanna marry a coward?
All right, fine, go.
You hear that, biscuit?
She doesn't like Daddy's work.
Love you.
Take care of your mother for me.
And you...
You still gonna marry me when I get back home?
I can't wait.
Can I pick out my own tux?
I want you to wear your dress blues.
I'm marrying a soldier.
Yeah, you are.
I love you.I love you more.
Guess what.
Oh, God, don't start.
Guess what.No.
Say it.
Chicken butt.
Crazy woman.
[♪♪♪]
See you, biscuit.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[CHUCKLES]
Take care of my girl.I will.
All right?
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
JORDAN: You know, technically, he didn't free the slaves.
They freed themselves.
Did they?
The Emancipation Proclamation
only applied to Confederate states,
but it also allowed Black people
to join the Army and help win the war.
Someone's been paying attention in history class.
How did my dad die?
I told you, baby.
All you said was that a bomb exploded.
I wanna know what happened.
Your father was a part of the First Battalion
67th Armed Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas.
[♪♪♪]
They called themselves the Death Dealers.
Which was fitting
because most of their missions in Iraq
took part in a place the military called
"the Triangle of Death."
Your dad's nickname was Top, because of his rank.
He was in charge of 105 men of Charlie Company.
Their nickname was the Carnivores.
Your dad's job was, and I quote:
"to teach them to stay alive and kill the enemy."
On October 14th, 2006,
he took them on a mission.
He could've stayed behind that day.
He even let his battle buddies sleep in.
But your dad would never ask his soldiers
to do anything he wouldn't do himself.
He went where they went.
Let's move out.
[SOLDIERS WHOOP]
DANA: That's the kind of man your dad was.
It's go time, Imhoff.Cherry, let him know.
Load up!
[SOLDIERS CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]
We trust in you, oh, God.
We trust in you in the name of the Father and the Son,
in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
DANA: Their mission was to re-supply
a place called the Island.
It was an isolated spot
where about 60 soldiers were posted.
At 10:38 in the morning,
their convoy passed a place called Jurf Al Sakhar.
It was about two miles from the Island.
[♪♪♪]
[WIND WHISTLING]
SOLDIER 1: IED! IED!SOLDIER 2: Return fire!
SOLDIER 1: Light it up! Light it up!
[SCREAMING]
Imhoff! Drop, drop down.Cover the rear! Cover the rear!
Return fire!
Cease fire! Cease fire!
Come on, Imhoff.
[GROANING]
Soldier down. Need help. Help!
Move it, move it!
Top! I got you, Top!
I got you. Come on. Come on.
Medic!
It's gonna be all right. I got you, Top.
Slow your breath. Come on. I got you, bro.
Come on. Look at me.
Medic! Medic!
Come on. Stay with me. Stay with me.
Come on, stay with me, I got you.
Come on. Stay with me. Stay with me, bro.
No! No, no, no! Stay with me, Top.
I'm right here. Stay with me. Medic!
Stay with me! Medic!
Medic!
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
Uh, I'm good.
How are you?
Yeah. A couple of friends just walked in. What's going on?
Wait. I'm sorry, what happened?
He didn't-- He didn't make...
[EXHALES SHARPLY]
No. No, no, no. Where is he?
No, where is he? Tell me! Where is he?
No! No![SHUSHING]
No.
[DANA SOBBING]
No, no.
No!
They had a plan in place.
A secret plan, in case something happened to your father.
He didn't want me to be alone when I heard he was gone.
Why were we even fighting that war?
Well, that depends on who you ask.
Some might say we were fighting to free a country
from a tyrant and stop terrorists.
Others might say we're the reason they became terrorists
in the first place.
But I bet if you asked your father,
he'd say he was fighting for his soldiers.
To keep them alive and to get them home.
But he had to die to do it?
Well, that's what heroes do, baby.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[STEVIE WONDER'S "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE" PLAYING]
♪ For once in my life I have someone who needs me ♪
♪ Someone I've needed so long ♪
Jordan, what are you doing?
Working out.
My dad said physical fitness is important.
I've only got one body. I better take care of it.
It's working, isn't it?
I'm gonna go hit the showers and get dressed.
Maybe we should wait. Till the rain lets up.
No, we've gotta go this morning.
Get dressed.
[♪♪♪]
You brought your suit?
Let's move out.
Mom. You all right?
Yeah. I'm fine.
Told you the sun would come out today.
Let's go.
[♪♪♪]
What is this?I sent an e-mail.
It went a little viral.
More people wanted to come, but they couldn't make it.
Jordan, why didn't you just ask me? Mom.
Hi, baby.Hi.
How are you, pumpkin?
Oh, my God, I can't believe you guys are here.
Hi.
You helped him with this?
He wanted to surprise you.
It worked.
Excuse me, everybody? Can I have your attention?
Mom.
Thank you all for coming.
Some of you came from pretty far.
I'd like to read this. It's from my dad.
"Family means everything, Jordan.
It's why I wake up in the morning.
It's why I put on the uniform and risk my life.
And the great thing about family
is that when you get older,
you get to choose who's in it."
He underlined the word "you."
"So choose wisely.
Surround yourself with people that love you for you
and love them back.
Because love is the one thing in this world
that's worth fighting for."
So I guess that makes all of you my family.
Mom.
Since you never got a flag,
my dad would want me to make sure you got one.
Private Imhoff, Private Mohammed.
[♪♪♪]
On behalf of a grateful nation and Charlie Company,
we wouldn't be here if it weren't for Top.
None of us would, ma'am.
This belongs to you.
DANA: Dear Jordan, when your father died,
I thought my life was over.
But the truth is, it was just beginning.
You and your dad both showed me how beautiful life is
when you live it below your neck and in your heart.
Risky place, the heart.
Because it's fragile, so it breaks.
And it hurts.
After your dad left, I tried my best to feel nothing
so my heart would never break again.
But even pain is better than nothing.
Because without pain, it's impossible to find joy.
I hope these words will help you understand
the remarkable love your father and I shared.
I want you to have that kind of love, Jordan.
The kind of love that does not ask her
to be anyone other than who she is.
And that does not ask any more of you.
T.J.: Dear heavenly Father,
thank you for bringing us here as family
to honor the life
and remember the life of Charles Monroe King.
DANA: My prayer for you, Jordan,
is that you carry with you the knowledge
that you will always have two parents guiding you.
But my mother's intuition alone
will not be enough to teach you to be a man.
For that, I give you your father's journal.
And the wisdom it contains.
Its pages should give you an idea of where you came from
so you can decide on exactly where you're going.
I love you, son.
Always and forever.
Mom.
[♪♪♪]