- 4 hours ago
Color of Love 2022 [Full Movie] [Full Episodes]Full EP - Full
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Short filmTranscript
00:01:01Mm-hmm.
00:01:01Would you owe me a pizza?
00:01:02Mm-hmm.
00:01:02Or a pie?
00:01:04Something.
00:01:05I'll see you at lunch.
00:01:06Oh, help a sister out.
00:01:19Damon, what is it today?
00:01:21Didn't I just send you to class?
00:01:22No, Miss H, it ain't me.
00:01:26Now, if it isn't you, then why did Mr. Wilbur send you here?
00:01:32I tried to explain to Mr. Wilbur that my internet is cut off at my house and I couldn't complete
00:01:37the assignments.
00:01:38And then he went off about how I was just using it as an excuse.
00:01:42I really tried.
00:01:45Okay.
00:01:46All right.
00:01:47Now, if I call your aunt, she can confirm your story?
00:01:50Yes.
00:01:51Do you want her number?
00:01:52I haven't.
00:01:54I will talk to Mr. Wilbur.
00:01:58In the meantime, I'm writing you a pass to the library for this class period.
00:02:07Now, I know you, Damon.
00:02:10So, I know you were out of pocket with Mr. Wilbur.
00:02:14You cannot let your temper ruin all the work we have put in.
00:02:18Do you hear me?
00:02:23Do you hear me?
00:02:25I hear you, Miss H.
00:02:27All right, go.
00:02:45Hi, this is Rachel.
00:02:47Leave a message.
00:02:57Hi, this is Rachel.
00:02:58Leave a message.
00:03:05Leah, no phones at the table, baby.
00:03:10I'll get it.
00:03:11It's probably Theo.
00:03:15CJ, wash your hands.
00:03:18And you soap.
00:03:20How was your test, Leah?
00:03:21It was good.
00:03:22I got an A.
00:03:23All right.
00:03:24The teacher tried to trick us with that question about the lymphatic system, but I got it.
00:03:28Thank you for quizzing me.
00:03:30Good to see you.
00:03:30Yes.
00:03:31I know you're gonna...
00:03:32Of course, woman.
00:03:33I'm washing my hands.
00:03:34Uh-huh.
00:03:36How was your day, CJ?
00:03:38It was good.
00:03:39All right.
00:03:41Let's eat.
00:03:45Smells good.
00:03:49Leah, ask.
00:03:51Ask what?
00:03:53Well, CJ and I were wondering when Theo's gonna move in.
00:03:58Theo, you're here all the time.
00:04:00Mom, you love it when he's here.
00:04:04Well...
00:04:05Um...
00:04:05We're still talking it over.
00:04:08Yeah, but when we come up with an answer, we'll let you know.
00:04:12Thank you, Father, for the food that's before us and the hands that made it.
00:04:15Thank you for the nourishment.
00:04:17And bless those who were less fortunate.
00:04:19Amen.
00:04:20Amen.
00:04:21All right.
00:04:22Let's eat.
00:04:23That was good, Mom.
00:04:24Thank you, baby.
00:04:25Rachel.
00:04:26Get out of here now.
00:04:28You know the rule.
00:04:30Peter.
00:04:32Help me find your jacket.
00:04:34Now?
00:04:35Come on.
00:04:35Do you wanna be next?
00:04:36Then let's go.
00:04:37These are rules.
00:04:39Get out of here now.
00:04:44That's the only amount of time before she comes in here.
00:04:46Okay?
00:04:47Go, go, go.
00:04:50Go!
00:04:51Go!
00:04:52Go, go, go!
00:04:53I know you're scared.
00:04:54Come on!
00:04:55Open up!
00:04:56Open this door now!
00:04:58Rachel, where are we going?
00:05:00Anywhere except here.
00:05:01Come on.
00:05:08Why are you doing this?
00:05:10I told you I'd get a repair purse out here to come fix it.
00:05:14Or we can just buy another one.
00:05:16Well, I don't want another one.
00:05:17I like my machine.
00:05:19You are being stubborn.
00:05:20Well, at least I'm on brand.
00:05:25Hey, about Lee and CJ's question.
00:05:28You ever thought about moving?
00:05:30No.
00:05:31No.
00:05:32You know, I like my house.
00:05:37All right.
00:05:38We'll buck away.
00:05:39Let me try.
00:05:41Mm-hmm.
00:05:44You know, even if I get this fixed, it's still temporary.
00:05:47Yeah, I know.
00:05:48I figured.
00:05:50And the washing machine won't kill you.
00:05:52Okay.
00:05:53More fixing?
00:05:54Less lecturing?
00:05:56You know, a repairman get paid for this kind of manual labor.
00:06:01Well, is there any sort of special discount that applies to our situation?
00:06:10Maybe.
00:06:11Mm.
00:06:14All right.
00:06:15Try that.
00:06:16Okay.
00:06:20Oh.
00:06:21Mm.
00:06:23Is this what you're giving out as payment?
00:06:25Oh, well, only to very special repair.
00:06:30Ooh.
00:06:40I'm cold.
00:06:45Rachel, I'm really hungry too.
00:06:49I know Peter.
00:06:51Promise we'll get you something to eat just as soon as she gets here.
00:06:53I'm sorry I got us in trouble.
00:06:56Stop.
00:06:57Look, you didn't do anything.
00:07:01Hey, don't worry about it.
00:07:04Stephanie's here.
00:07:12Rachel.
00:07:13We talked about this.
00:07:16We weren't seeing another night in that house.
00:07:18Every time you run away, it makes it harder and harder to place you.
00:07:22I know that you want a permanent home.
00:07:24We want to go to...
00:07:25Get in the car, okay?
00:07:26And we will figure something out.
00:07:28Well, not until you tell us where we're going.
00:07:31I have to take you to the group home.
00:07:34Forget it.
00:07:35Great.
00:07:36Peter, please.
00:07:37Please, please.
00:07:37Just give me until tomorrow, okay?
00:07:40Just till tomorrow, all right?
00:07:41And you guys can...
00:07:42Yes.
00:07:43So get in the car.
00:07:44Peter needs something to eat.
00:07:45Already in the car.
00:07:46Go on.
00:07:56Good morning.
00:07:57This is Stephanie from Helping Hands.
00:07:59Yeah, I...
00:08:00Well, I need a foster home for two kids tonight.
00:08:02Yes.
00:08:03Yes, I know she's a runner, but we do need a placement, so...
00:08:08Okay, thank you.
00:08:14Hi there, this is Stephanie.
00:08:15Yes.
00:08:17Yes, two kids.
00:08:18No.
00:08:19No, no.
00:08:19That is not an option, so...
00:08:21Thank you for your time.
00:08:37Hey, Monica.
00:08:38I need a favor.
00:08:40Please call me back when you can.
00:08:41This is the house.
00:08:43He feels away.
00:08:45Okay.
00:08:45I'm playing devil's advocate here.
00:08:48Mm-hmm.
00:08:50But what's so bad about possibly moving?
00:08:54Besides the fact that it is the only home my kids have ever known?
00:08:57Mm-hmm.
00:08:57I like my house.
00:08:59It is a good house.
00:09:01Isn't it?
00:09:02Mm-hmm.
00:09:03Do you remember the day Charles and I signed the paperwork?
00:09:05Oh, you did.
00:09:07You did?
00:09:09I don't want to walk away from that.
00:09:10Mm-hmm.
00:09:12But I don't want to lose Theo.
00:09:14He's a good one.
00:09:16Yeah.
00:09:16Then he puts up with you.
00:09:19Okay, so you're not funny.
00:09:21But let him buy you a new dishwasher.
00:09:26That was the last thing that Charles bought for the house.
00:09:30And he would want you to have a new one.
00:09:32Trust me.
00:09:33You let Theo in.
00:09:35Let him know that Leah and CJ and you are allowing yourselves to be loved again.
00:09:43And none of that is being disloyal to Charles.
00:09:47You're smart or something.
00:09:49Tap it.
00:09:53Hey, is Felicia coming over this weekend?
00:09:55Apparently, yes.
00:09:56Leah called me personally to request her presence.
00:09:59Aw.
00:10:00See, I told you it was a good idea for us to have babies at the same time.
00:10:07Great.
00:10:08And I'm going to need you to sign off on this.
00:10:15Did we children run again?
00:10:17Yeah.
00:10:17And I'm worried they're going to pull it from the group home again today.
00:10:20Yeah, I don't know why you're so opposed to splitting them up.
00:10:22The boy, he'd get placed easily.
00:10:24Oh, no.
00:10:25He wouldn't survive without her and she wouldn't survive without him.
00:10:27Now, if you can just sign off on it, I will continue to look.
00:10:30You would have toughened up some.
00:10:32Liking and caring about my job has nothing to do with being tough, Bill.
00:10:35But you don't have to get so personally wrapped up in all of this.
00:10:37They're children, Bill.
00:10:38Well, if it's not personal, then maybe you should quit.
00:10:44I'm building a pension.
00:10:45Of course you are.
00:10:54This is only going to be temporary until we find something else, okay, guys?
00:10:57But, Rachel, you've got to help me out here, all right?
00:11:00You can't be running away.
00:11:01Why can't it be forever?
00:11:02I don't know.
00:11:03I don't know if that's an option.
00:11:04You don't know that, though.
00:11:05No, I don't.
00:11:06You're right.
00:11:07Well, you could, you know, find a home for Peter.
00:11:11Rachel!
00:11:12Nope.
00:11:13You and me together.
00:11:14Right?
00:11:15You want to keep coming back here?
00:11:18No.
00:11:19Then maybe.
00:11:21What do you say?
00:11:23I say I keep looking for another place for the two of you guys.
00:11:27Together.
00:11:28See, Rach.
00:11:29Together.
00:11:31Let's get something to eat.
00:11:32Come on.
00:11:38Oh, what time are they coming?
00:11:39Stephanie called and said she's on the way.
00:11:42Her go-to.
00:11:43I guess so.
00:11:45After the first time she placed kids in my care, we just...
00:11:48We hit it all.
00:11:49I even wrote her daughter a college recommendation letter.
00:11:54Amazing.
00:11:59Well, that's your answer.
00:12:01Ready?
00:12:02Yeah.
00:12:02All right.
00:12:03Let's do it.
00:12:04Okay.
00:12:10Ms. Monica!
00:12:11Hi!
00:12:12Oh!
00:12:15Hi, sweet miss.
00:12:17Come on.
00:12:18Hi, Ms. Monica.
00:12:19Hey.
00:12:21Come on in, Stephanie.
00:12:23Theo, make us some tea.
00:12:24Okay.
00:12:26So, that is when she had the owner of the donut shop call me.
00:12:31I guess Pauline broke her phone.
00:12:35Now I know.
00:12:36When you took them last time, it was because you found them a home.
00:12:39Well, we thought we had two.
00:12:41Well, what happened?
00:12:44They got cold feet.
00:12:46Yeah.
00:12:48An experience I know all too well.
00:12:52I don't understand.
00:12:56Well, one time I was a little older than Rachel.
00:12:59I, uh, been in this group home for six months.
00:13:03And, uh, my social worker came to me and told me that they found me a place.
00:13:07So, I'm so excited, right?
00:13:08So, I packed up my stuff, I put on my nice shirt, nice pants, and I waited.
00:13:14I waited.
00:13:16And, uh, and finally same ages me at the time.
00:13:21I'm afraid of inappropriate behavior.
00:13:24And I was 13 years old.
00:13:25I wasn't even looking at girls yet.
00:13:27So, anyway, after that, I just told them to stop trying.
00:13:31So, unfortunately, you get it.
00:13:34It can be really hard to place older kids and siblings in a home because people think that it's going
00:13:39to be one thing and then, you know, we will find them a permanent home.
00:13:46I know.
00:13:47But, in the meantime...
00:13:49Well, in the meantime, they will be taken care of.
00:13:53I just...
00:13:54Yeah.
00:13:56Gosh.
00:13:57I just wish every home was like yours.
00:14:02We'll be in touch, okay?
00:14:04Okay.
00:14:05Yeah.
00:14:05I'll walk you up.
00:14:07Thanks, babe.
00:14:18Baby.
00:14:19Hey.
00:14:19Did you see her bruises?
00:14:21I mean, she tried to hide them when I saw them.
00:14:23Yeah.
00:14:24I saw them, too.
00:14:26I used to have them and just let Rachel, like, get them.
00:14:29Oh, God.
00:14:30And every time I look at you, I think how unfair it was that you had to go through that.
00:14:35I made it out okay.
00:14:38Did you?
00:14:40I mean, why have you never told me that?
00:14:42I mean, sexualized by someone else.
00:14:45And it hasn't even crossed your mind yet.
00:14:48It's part of the play of black men in America.
00:14:50Boys.
00:14:52Black boys.
00:14:53And black girls, too.
00:14:55Yeah, you're right.
00:14:57But still, it's a part of your story that I would have liked to know a bit more.
00:15:04You know, I turned 18.
00:15:05I joined the military.
00:15:06I figured out I like patching people up.
00:15:09You know, it helped me put the past in the past.
00:15:12I'm here.
00:15:15I made it.
00:15:21Well, I can't keep watching and hoping nothing.
00:15:30Hey, guys, you gotta hurry up so we're not late, okay?
00:15:33Leah, baby, make sure the boys are hustling.
00:15:35Rachel, grab your backpack.
00:15:36I'm taking you to school today.
00:15:37And Theo is taking Peter.
00:15:39And Stephanie is making sure your school gets switched, okay?
00:15:42I don't have a backpack.
00:15:44Okay.
00:15:45That's okay.
00:15:46Just grab your jacket.
00:15:47No, it's okay.
00:15:48She can use mine.
00:15:49I have an extra one.
00:15:54Hey.
00:15:55That's gonna move on so we're all on time?
00:15:57I know.
00:15:58Huh?
00:15:58I know.
00:15:59We need to figure this out together.
00:16:02All right?
00:16:03Okay.
00:16:04Hey, Petey, you ready?
00:16:05I'm coming!
00:16:07Say it again.
00:16:15Connie, I don't think those kids had a proper meal when they weren't in my home.
00:16:20And that bruise on Rachel's arm, she hasn't told me about it yet, but I know it was from that
00:16:24woman.
00:16:25And I use that term loosely.
00:16:28Some families are just in it for the check, my dear.
00:16:30Yeah, and those are the ones that give us a bad name.
00:16:33Mm.
00:16:34I agree.
00:16:37Hear me out.
00:16:38Listen.
00:16:42I think I need to do something.
00:16:45Maybe petition to adopt these kids.
00:16:47They've been in my home three times, Connie, and every time they leave, just a piece of me goes with
00:16:52them.
00:16:53Am I crazy?
00:16:55What do Theo and the kids think?
00:16:57I haven't told them yet.
00:16:59I mean, this is actually the first time I'm saying it out loud.
00:17:04And as I hear myself say it, I recognize that I sound crazy.
00:17:07I sound crazy.
00:17:08You don't.
00:17:08You sound like a woman with a lot of love inside of her.
00:17:12Poor kids on a vice-principal salad.
00:17:15Mm.
00:17:16Money has never dictated your moves.
00:17:19You could be working at one of those private high schools that pay a whole lot more.
00:17:23But here you are.
00:17:27Look, whatever you decide, you...
00:17:32Mom, did you sign my permissions up?
00:17:34Leah, it's in your backpack.
00:17:36Because if you didn't and I missed sign-ups, I would actually die.
00:17:41You're such a drama queen.
00:17:43Shut up.
00:17:44You shut up.
00:17:45I'm three years older than you. I can tell you what to do.
00:17:47No, you can't.
00:17:48Hey, hey, hey.
00:17:49What is this? At the dinner table?
00:17:52Sorry, Mom.
00:17:55Say sorry, boy.
00:17:56Sorry, Mommy.
00:17:58You're forgiven.
00:18:00Uh, there's enough for seconds for Pete or Rachel.
00:18:05I want to make sure you eat too.
00:18:08You want me to get you another plate?
00:18:22Sweetie, I got you some things.
00:18:25You didn't have to do that.
00:18:26You gave us a place to sleep.
00:18:29Sweetheart.
00:18:32Is this stuff for me and Leah to share?
00:18:35Nope.
00:18:36This is just for you.
00:18:41And you might need this.
00:18:47You're welcome.
00:18:50Are you, um...
00:18:53Are you ready to tell me about...
00:18:54I had these rules.
00:18:56When you could eat.
00:18:57When you can't.
00:18:59And Peter got hungry, so I...
00:19:01I kind of broke the rules.
00:19:05And we broke the jelly jar.
00:19:07I know that was bad, Miss Monica, but he was hungry.
00:19:11And well, she grabbed me and shook me and was going for Peter, so...
00:19:17We left.
00:19:20I promise I won't break the rules here.
00:19:21No.
00:19:24Hey, Rach.
00:19:25Bathroom's all yours.
00:19:26You should probably get in there before CJ does.
00:19:29For him to smell so bad, he's in there a lot.
00:19:32Got it.
00:19:36You're welcome, baby.
00:19:39Hey, Mom.
00:19:41Since I'm done all my homework, can I please call Felicia to make sure we have the right outfits for
00:19:45tomorrow?
00:19:46Please, I'm begging you.
00:19:47Oh, are you begging me?
00:19:49Okay, yes, but don't be on the phone too long.
00:19:52Hey, I haven't asked how all this feels now that you're older.
00:19:57How all what feels?
00:19:59This, the foster kids.
00:20:01Mainly Rachel and Peter.
00:20:03Oh, it's cool.
00:20:05I mean, she's really quiet all the time, but it's cool.
00:20:09Plus, we have all this space and it's the right thing to do.
00:20:13You don't mind sharing your room?
00:20:15No.
00:20:16I like having a sister.
00:20:18You're a pretty great kid.
00:20:30When God delivers us through the most trying of times, when the Lord delivers us through, it's our duty to
00:20:44turn that help to others.
00:20:47For we weren't brought through just to get through.
00:20:50We were brought through to make sure our brothers and sisters were too.
00:20:57You, you are a living.
00:21:00We serve a merciful God.
00:21:06And with that mercy comes love.
00:21:15God bless.
00:21:19You already know what I'm going to say, Sister Monica.
00:21:22God does not make mistakes.
00:21:26He didn't bring those children back to you so you could watch them walk out your door again.
00:21:33I remember when you couldn't get out of your bed five years ago.
00:21:39Your mama thought we're going to have to bury you next to Charles.
00:21:42We're going to be all right.
00:21:44You have a purpose.
00:21:46Part of that purpose showed up on your doorstep three times.
00:21:52But you don't think I'm foolish.
00:21:54A single mom with four kids?
00:21:59Look around you.
00:22:01You have a whole village.
00:22:09You know I look at Rachel and Peter sometimes and I just think how much is too much.
00:22:15At what point will they become broken beyond repair if, if I don't step in?
00:22:20Well, I think that's your answer.
00:22:24I need the confirmation.
00:22:25Thank you, Pastor.
00:22:27In the meantime.
00:22:38Well, guys, I have some news.
00:22:42Or rather, some things I want to discuss with you.
00:22:49How do you guys like being here?
00:22:53We like it.
00:22:55Are you sure?
00:22:56We really like it.
00:22:58Are you giving us back?
00:23:00No.
00:23:01Good.
00:23:02I was actually thinking about talking to Stephanie.
00:23:06If that works for you.
00:23:10And for you too.
00:23:13We're good with it, Mom.
00:23:16Are you sure, baby?
00:23:17I mean, it kind of works out perfectly.
00:23:19We're the same ages and it's a no-brainer.
00:23:23Yeah, Mommy.
00:23:24Oh, yeah.
00:23:25It's a no-brainer.
00:23:26Duh.
00:23:27Okay.
00:23:28Don't you start.
00:23:29What happens if you change your mind?
00:23:31Or what happens if we become too much?
00:23:34What happens if we-
00:23:35Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
00:23:37There are a lot of what-ifs that we can play with.
00:23:40But nothing will make me change what I want to do.
00:23:44Okay?
00:23:47I'll finish your life.
00:23:48Ah!
00:23:49Yes?
00:23:50Hey, Rach.
00:23:50I've got to show you the new jeans I got last weekend.
00:23:55Uh, maybe after lunch.
00:24:06Hey.
00:24:07Hey.
00:24:08Hey.
00:24:12You've been quiet.
00:24:16You don't think you should have discussed it with me first?
00:24:20They aren't married.
00:24:22You have a key that after two years you still don't use.
00:24:25I didn't think you wanted to say.
00:24:29Theo.
00:24:31Are we really gonna know the big thing?
00:24:34And what is that?
00:24:37Monica.
00:24:39Don't you think they'll be raised better by someone who looks like them?
00:24:44No.
00:24:45Theo, I don't.
00:24:47I think those kids need love and stability, and that is what my home offers them.
00:24:52Love can't erase all that they'll face.
00:24:54What about what they've already faced?
00:24:56Monica, listen.
00:24:57I know your heart's in the right place, but I don't think it's the right thing to do.
00:25:04You, of all people, would deny children a home because of race?
00:25:11I appreciate your opinion.
00:25:13I do. I really, really do.
00:25:16But it's not gonna change your mind, is it?
00:25:20No.
00:25:21It's not.
00:25:28Listen, I gotta get ready for work.
00:25:29I'm filling in for Warner, so I gotta go.
00:25:31Theo.
00:25:32Hey, don't.
00:25:33Hey.
00:25:33You don't say anything.
00:25:36We're good.
00:25:39Good.
00:25:43I gotta go to work.
00:25:44Have a good day.
00:25:46Hey, y'all.
00:25:47I gotta go to work.
00:25:48Y'all be good.
00:25:50Goodbye.
00:25:50Later, Theo.
00:25:51See you later, Theo.
00:25:53You always have that and you never unpack it.
00:25:56Rachel told me not to.
00:25:58We never know where we're leaving.
00:26:00I guess it's just easier that way.
00:26:02But my mom said you guys were staying, so maybe now you can.
00:26:06I don't know.
00:26:07I have to ask Rachel.
00:26:09Ever since my grandmother died, we've been in bad places.
00:26:12Except for this one.
00:26:13I really hope we get to live here.
00:26:15If my mom said it, it's true.
00:26:17She doesn't lie.
00:26:19Except about broccoli.
00:26:20It's disgusting.
00:26:22It really is.
00:26:34No, I know you switch schools a lot, but Hope...
00:26:38Will you make sure to look out for her?
00:26:40Of course.
00:26:41Duh.
00:26:42Okay, I don't think I like this duh thing.
00:26:45Fine.
00:26:45I solemnly swear to look out for her mother.
00:26:49Goodbye.
00:26:50Get out of here, little girl.
00:26:51Hey.
00:26:52Fine.
00:26:52Hey.
00:26:55Hey, Jamal.
00:26:56Hi, Felicia.
00:26:57So, can you convince my mom that I need that new phone?
00:27:00I'm gonna go with a no, but have a great day.
00:27:04Okay.
00:27:06I can't believe you actually asked.
00:27:07Have to try.
00:27:08Bye.
00:27:09Bye.
00:27:18Going to a new school, and you know, slow down and let the girl say a word.
00:27:22Right, sorry.
00:27:24Watch where you're going.
00:27:27Ignore her. She's always like that.
00:27:36So I talked to the kids, all of them,
00:27:40and we decided to start the process to formally adopt them.
00:27:47What do we have to do?
00:27:49I don't even know how much this is going to cost, Stephanie.
00:27:52I just, I know this is what has to happen.
00:27:56Wow. I know.
00:27:59I accept the costs.
00:28:02I have to ask, why now?
00:28:05I mean, I've placed a few kids with you in the past,
00:28:08and, you know, frankly, I didn't even know
00:28:11this was something you would consider.
00:28:13No, me either.
00:28:15Honestly, being a foster parent was good enough.
00:28:18And now?
00:28:20And now, Rachel and Peter,
00:28:24they aren't just two kids to me.
00:28:26I love them.
00:28:27I love them like I love Leah and CJ.
00:28:32I can't even tell you how good it's going to feel
00:28:34to have one less file on my desk.
00:28:36Yeah, you might actually get to see your desk.
00:28:39Right?
00:28:40Well, okay, so you've truly made my morning.
00:28:44Well, good.
00:28:45I'm glad I could.
00:28:48Um, Stephanie, how hard is this going to be?
00:28:51Oh, I don't think it'll be very hard at all.
00:28:55I will get these forms over to you by end of date.
00:28:59Thank you so much, Leslie.
00:29:02I look forward to meeting you in person, too.
00:29:05I really appreciate your help.
00:29:08Okay, bye.
00:29:14Adoption attorney.
00:29:17This is huge.
00:29:18It is.
00:29:21That is kind of scary, if I'm being honest.
00:29:24I overheard a conversation the other day
00:29:26with Peter and CJ,
00:29:27and, God, Connie, it broke my heart.
00:29:31You know how many Peters and Rachels
00:29:33come through my glass every year?
00:29:35They just usually look like us.
00:29:39Do you think that's an issue?
00:29:41Them not looking like me?
00:29:46Only if you let it become one.
00:29:49Whatever you need from me, you got.
00:29:58So what did you want to talk to me about?
00:30:02Well, I have an announcement to make.
00:30:05Oh, I wouldn't be mad if you did.
00:30:07You know Charles will want you to be happy.
00:30:10I am happy.
00:30:11But he would want you to be loved.
00:30:13And more importantly, to love back.
00:30:16Mom, I love Theo.
00:30:18I do.
00:30:20I'm just not ready for all of that yet.
00:30:23Okay.
00:30:25But,
00:30:26my family is expanding.
00:30:31I'm not pregnant.
00:30:32I hope not.
00:30:34Not without a ring.
00:30:35I know, Mama.
00:30:36I'm not pregnant.
00:30:38But as I was saying,
00:30:39my family is expanding
00:30:42because I've decided
00:30:43to formally adopt Rachel and Peter.
00:30:47I watched,
00:30:48even though they weren't adopted by you,
00:30:50you still get calls
00:30:51and cards from them.
00:30:54I do.
00:30:55Yeah.
00:30:56And every time they're in my presence,
00:30:59I watch them grow.
00:31:01And then every time they leave,
00:31:04I see them shrink a bit.
00:31:08You ain't think this one through, Monica.
00:31:15Mom.
00:31:17What do you mean?
00:31:20Turn on the news, baby.
00:31:22Open your eyes.
00:31:24This country is in a free-for-all.
00:31:27Racial tensions are at an all-time high.
00:31:30But you missed the key thing in there.
00:31:33They'll be showing up with a mom.
00:31:36I hear you.
00:31:38But as your mother,
00:31:39I owe you the truth.
00:31:41So you're not going to support me?
00:31:45I didn't say that.
00:31:47I really just want you to think about it.
00:31:50And what does Theo think?
00:31:52He has his reservations.
00:31:56I really want you just to take a minute.
00:31:59I don't have a minute.
00:32:02They don't have a minute.
00:32:11Prison onions, please.
00:32:13Gross!
00:32:14We want pineapple, oh, and pepperoni.
00:32:17Pepperoni is so good on pizza.
00:32:19Oh, and extra sausage.
00:32:21No vegetables.
00:32:22Yeah, vegetables are disgusting.
00:32:24Vegetables are good for you, duper.
00:32:26Hey, hey, no name calling.
00:32:28Uh, Rachel, do you need any help?
00:32:32No.
00:32:32No, I got it.
00:32:34Okay.
00:32:34What do you want on your pizza?
00:32:37I'm good with anything.
00:32:38That sounds like a vote for peppers and onions.
00:32:40She didn't even say anything.
00:32:41Like, that's not even the topic.
00:32:43Okay, okay, okay, guys.
00:32:44I will get two medium pizzas,
00:32:46one with meat and one with peppers and onions.
00:32:50Meat is still better.
00:32:51Boom.
00:32:52Totally.
00:32:52Nah.
00:32:55Baby, listen,
00:32:56and I completely understand you need to help.
00:32:58Mm-hmm.
00:32:59You know, it's one of the things I love about you most, you know?
00:33:02Oh, this one of the things?
00:33:05Well, no.
00:33:07I love your mind.
00:33:09Mm-hmm.
00:33:11I love that you find a cause and you take it.
00:33:15Ooh, I hear, but...
00:33:19Monica, there are so many kids in the system that need people like you.
00:33:24You mean black kids.
00:33:28Yeah, I do.
00:33:30Kids like me.
00:33:31Okay, but am I supposed to look at them in their face and say,
00:33:35sorry, I can adopt you?
00:33:37Do I have a place in your house?
00:33:41What?
00:33:42Me?
00:33:43I don't use the key.
00:33:46You know, the truth is, Monica,
00:33:48I never really felt like I had a place.
00:33:51It's Charles' house.
00:33:55I knew that's why you didn't want to move in.
00:33:57Every time I step in there, you know,
00:33:59the 13-year-old kid in Simon just keeps screaming, you know?
00:34:01Don't get too close.
00:34:02Don't get too comfortable.
00:34:05Theo.
00:34:07Theo.
00:34:08Have I really made you feel that way?
00:34:11You haven't not made me feel that way.
00:34:14And I know in the beginning you made it clear that you don't need me, but...
00:34:19Okay.
00:34:20I just...
00:34:22I think you're conflating two different things.
00:34:26Am I, Mo?
00:34:29If you really wanted my support,
00:34:31you would have consulted me before you made that decision.
00:34:40So what are you saying?
00:34:45I'm saying I just need some time to figure out if this is good for me.
00:34:51And find out what works for me.
00:34:52That's all.
00:34:53That's all.
00:34:55Okay.
00:34:55Okay?
00:34:57Okay?
00:34:59Come here.
00:35:00I'll...
00:35:02I'll call you.
00:35:04Okay.
00:35:22Hey. Whatcha doing, Mom?
00:35:27Thinking about everything and nothing.
00:35:34Are you and Theo okay?
00:35:39Aren't you 12?
00:35:40I don't know. You told me the other day.
00:35:42Oh, yeah?
00:35:43That was my sister.
00:35:44And what did they say?
00:35:45They were cool.
00:35:46And, of course, Felicia had to serve as the official welcoming committee.
00:35:51Well, she gets that from her mama.
00:35:54Auntie Connie is funny.
00:35:55Yes, and loud.
00:35:56And so extra.
00:36:01Hey, Mom, I just wanted to say that whatever's happening with Theo,
00:36:06it's okay.
00:36:07We're doing the right thing.
00:36:11Baby, I blinked and you grew up.
00:36:19Oh, are we sleeping in here tonight?
00:36:22No, we are not.
00:36:28Come, Rach. Mom's way too super comfy.
00:36:37Oh, turn to the game.
00:36:39Oh, no, we're not watching the game.
00:36:41Yes, we are.
00:36:42No, we're not.
00:36:43Give me the remote.
00:36:43No, stop.
00:36:45I had it first.
00:36:46Give it to me.
00:36:49What do you want to see, Rach?
00:37:05All of a sudden, what does it matter to you?
00:37:09I guess we all have to do charity work.
00:37:11How is she charity?
00:37:13She doesn't exactly fit in with your normal crew.
00:37:15And that's your business how?
00:37:17Nobody's talking to you, Felicia.
00:37:19You have a serious problem.
00:37:21You don't get enough hugs at home.
00:37:24And what are you laughing at?
00:37:27Nothing.
00:37:29That's what I thought.
00:37:36Mom.
00:37:45Oh, looking good, ladies.
00:37:48Can I go now?
00:37:49Well, didn't you just get off the phone with her?
00:37:50Yeah, but she's my best friend, Mom, okay?
00:37:53Duh.
00:37:55Okay, get out of here.
00:37:58How about you?
00:37:59Did you finish your homework?
00:38:01Most of it.
00:38:03Do you need any help?
00:38:06Okay, how was school today?
00:38:10What's going on?
00:38:14There was this girl, and she called me a charity case.
00:38:19Gotcha.
00:38:20And, um, how did that make you feel?
00:38:24Do you feel that you're a charity case?
00:38:31We love you and Peter.
00:38:33And that is not charity.
00:38:37That, my dear, is called family.
00:38:42You really don't mind us being here?
00:38:44Mind you?
00:38:46We love you being here.
00:38:49Okay?
00:38:50Don't forget it.
00:38:52Now go watch television or something.
00:38:54I got the rest.
00:39:11Well, from anything else we can think to bolster our case.
00:39:15Will you level with me?
00:39:16Yeah, of course.
00:39:19Is my being black going to be a problem?
00:39:25Leslie, I'm not colorblind.
00:39:27And I'm not someone who pretends that I don't see color.
00:39:31But I don't want it to be a reason that these kids don't get the home that they deserve.
00:39:39Look, truthfully...
00:39:40Please.
00:39:42There aren't a lot of cross-racial adoptions.
00:39:45You know, with the parents being black and the kids being white, it just doesn't happen very often.
00:39:53But who cares? With the system for three years and they haven't been adopted yet?
00:39:57Yeah, longer than that.
00:39:59Their grandmother had custody, but then she died.
00:40:02And after that, Stephanie really wanted to make sure they stayed together.
00:40:05And that makes it harder.
00:40:07Yeah.
00:40:08And I see Rachel's a runner.
00:40:11What about Peter?
00:40:12He's very attached to her.
00:40:14And they're both really good kids.
00:40:17How many times have they been in your home?
00:40:20This makes three.
00:40:22And what about your children?
00:40:25They absolutely love them.
00:40:30Well, I think we definitely have our work cut out for us, but as long as you're willing to fight...
00:40:48Hey.
00:40:50Hey, yourself.
00:40:56I really miss you, Theo.
00:40:59And despite what you think, I do need you.
00:41:07I miss you too.
00:41:10Oh, how are the kids?
00:41:13Good.
00:41:16All of them.
00:41:21Growing up in foster care, I used to pray for someone like you.
00:41:29Home after home, I wanted someone to pick me, but it just never happened.
00:41:36You know that black boys are the hardest to get adopted?
00:41:40I do.
00:41:41So when I see you go to bat for Rachel and Peter, I ache.
00:41:47I've watched a bunch of Rachel's and Peter's get forever homes.
00:41:52And I just...
00:41:56sat there and counted down the days till I turned 18.
00:42:00Because they're not just...
00:42:02two kids to me.
00:42:04They're Rachel and Peter Reed.
00:42:08Right?
00:42:09And I would fight for them if they were black.
00:42:11I would fight for them if they were green, if they were orange.
00:42:14It's about them.
00:42:15I know. I know that.
00:42:16Do you?
00:42:18Because you keep speaking in this abstract or...
00:42:22as if I just went out looking to adopt two white kittens.
00:42:26I know you didn't.
00:42:27Listen, listen, Monica.
00:42:29I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about this.
00:42:33I had a friend.
00:42:34His name is Marquise.
00:42:35Marquise was smart.
00:42:37I mean, out of this world smart.
00:42:39He would read something and get it just like that.
00:42:41No problem.
00:42:43Six months.
00:42:44Six months after he left, he was killed.
00:42:50Just running with the wrong crowd.
00:42:54Now, what if Marquise would have had a hue?
00:43:01What would he have become?
00:43:07Where would he be now?
00:43:09You know who didn't have that problem?
00:43:12Adam.
00:43:14Margo.
00:43:15Joshua.
00:43:19Listen, I'm sorry.
00:43:21No, say no more.
00:43:23No.
00:43:24No, God.
00:43:25Leo.
00:43:30Just think about it from my perspective.
00:43:36Maybe that's the problem.
00:43:40This is not about you.
00:43:42It is about Rachel and Peter.
00:43:45Read them if you can't see them.
00:43:53I gotta go.
00:43:58I wish you well.
00:44:05Monica.
00:44:28Can I help?
00:44:31What do you know about this?
00:44:33I used to help my grandma with dinner, especially at the holidays.
00:44:37Wash your hands.
00:44:38We need to get the salad done.
00:44:47There are kinds of things for her specialty was lasagna with three cheeses.
00:44:52Monica loves a good lasagna too.
00:44:54She does?
00:44:57Maybe I can try to make it for her.
00:44:59To say thank you.
00:45:02That would be nice.
00:45:04What other kind of things would you like to do with your grandmother?
00:45:09Well, she really liked puzzles, especially towards the end.
00:45:13I thought the puzzles would be weird, but I ended up liking it.
00:45:22All done.
00:45:23Anything else, Miss Gladys?
00:45:25Do you know how to make a punch?
00:45:27Sure.
00:45:28I can try.
00:45:29Reach a...
00:45:41Let us bow our heads.
00:45:46Um, Miss Gladys?
00:45:49Can Peter and I say it?
00:45:53Go for it.
00:45:57Thank you, God, for bringing us here.
00:46:00And thank you for finally giving us a family.
00:46:03And thank you, God, for food that actually tastes like food.
00:46:10Amen.
00:46:11Amen.
00:46:13Hey, Bill.
00:46:16Here's everything to start the process for the Reed kids' adoption.
00:46:23Were there no other homes open?
00:46:24I'm sorry?
00:46:25Just curious.
00:46:26No.
00:46:27None that would take two kids over the age of nine.
00:46:29One with a history of running away.
00:46:30What about separating them?
00:46:34What's going on, Bill?
00:46:35We wish and hope for these kinds of situations.
00:46:38Monica Hogan is a dream foster mom.
00:46:40Yes, and she provides excellent temporary placement for them.
00:46:43And now she wants to make it permanent.
00:46:46Isn't that a good thing?
00:46:49I just think we should keep looking.
00:46:51Find a better match.
00:46:52I'm sorry.
00:46:54And she's widowed.
00:46:55And what about the boyfriend?
00:46:56Just coming in and out of the house all the time?
00:46:58Is that the kind of example we want to set to a young, impressionable girl?
00:47:01You mean a healthy and loving relationship?
00:47:04Stephanie, look.
00:47:05Monique.
00:47:06Monica.
00:47:07Right.
00:47:08Monica is a very good temporary stop.
00:47:11But keep looking.
00:47:12No, I'm not going to do that, Bill.
00:47:16Not until you say it.
00:47:19Say what?
00:47:21You're going to have to say the words, Bill.
00:47:23You're going to have to say it.
00:47:24You're going to have to say why you think that this educated woman
00:47:26who wants to keep these two siblings together
00:47:28so that they can have a safe, happy, healthy home together
00:47:32isn't the right fit.
00:47:34Say it.
00:47:36You should have white parents.
00:47:41That's despicable.
00:47:54All right.
00:47:55I'm so glad to see everyone's doing well.
00:47:58We are.
00:48:00So, a meeting on a Sunday.
00:48:02Yeah.
00:48:04I know I promised to not let these two slip through the cracks.
00:48:09Stephanie.
00:48:10Come on, talk to me.
00:48:14Let's walk.
00:48:18What kind of pushback?
00:48:21Bureaucratic.
00:48:23Stephanie.
00:48:24Be real.
00:48:26We've known each other too long.
00:48:27What's up?
00:48:29Bill thinks the kids would be better off with white parents.
00:48:34Wow.
00:48:35Of course he does.
00:48:36Unbelievable.
00:48:38I wish I could say it was something else.
00:48:42Wait, are you saying that there's a chance I won't get these kids?
00:48:47I'm not jumping to any conclusions.
00:48:49Well, I think it's too late, Stephanie.
00:48:51I mean, you yourself said that it is hard to place kids over a certain age
00:48:55and keep them together.
00:48:56I know.
00:48:57I know.
00:48:57And I have said all of this and more.
00:49:01Because of the color of my skin?
00:49:02Come on.
00:49:04I don't have an answer.
00:49:06Just know that I am on your side.
00:49:09And whatever I can do, I'm going to do it.
00:49:12These kids belong with you.
00:49:14They do. Yes.
00:49:17I'm sorry I wanted it to be better news.
00:49:19It's fine.
00:49:22We're not done fighting.
00:49:23No.
00:49:25We are not.
00:49:26Yeah.
00:49:29See you soon.
00:49:29Okay.
00:49:44We're getting moved again, aren't we?
00:49:51I don't know.
00:49:53But what I do know is I promise I will do everything in my power.
00:49:59To keep you guys with us, okay?
00:50:02That's not something you can promise.
00:50:05That I'll do my best.
00:50:07Oh, I absolutely can.
00:50:11I like living with you.
00:50:16Sweetheart.
00:50:17I like having you.
00:50:21Please don't let them move us.
00:50:42Yeah, she's the one that thinks that she is black.
00:50:47What did you say?
00:50:48I don't think I'm anything.
00:50:50Oh, you don't?
00:50:51But why you be with Leah and Felicia all the time?
00:50:53Could have fooled me.
00:50:54What's it to you?
00:50:55I'm just saying.
00:50:56You ain't got anyone else to hang out with?
00:50:59Again, what's it to you?
00:51:00Oh, that's right.
00:51:02Nothing but a charity case.
00:51:03A foster kid, right?
00:51:18From all accounts, Rachel started the fight.
00:51:21She pushed Tamika, and then all hell broke loose.
00:51:25And she still hasn't told me why.
00:51:28Rachel, baby, care to enlighten us?
00:51:31No.
00:51:33Sweetheart, that is not an option.
00:51:36Rachel, we can't have you fighting.
00:51:38Especially with the hearing coming up.
00:51:40It's also been brought to my attention
00:51:42that Rachel is severely behind in some of her classes.
00:51:46Her language arts...
00:51:48Sweetheart, I've asked if you needed help.
00:51:50It seems there are a bunch of things we need to address.
00:51:59Rachel.
00:52:00Fighting. The grades.
00:52:03We have to do something.
00:52:05I know. I know.
00:52:07I will handle it.
00:52:17How did we not know she was struggling this bad, Stephanie?
00:52:20I mean, I asked her a few times if she needed help,
00:52:23but maybe I should have pushed a little harder
00:52:25or recognized the sign.
00:52:27Something I don't know.
00:52:28But what about you?
00:52:29Late right now.
00:52:30No, that is not an excuse.
00:52:32Yes, you have a heavy case load, but you know what?
00:52:34You chose this career.
00:52:36Whoa.
00:52:37So did you.
00:52:41I know.
00:52:43You're right. I'm sorry.
00:52:46It's okay.
00:52:47I just... I am... I'm mad at myself.
00:52:50I am an educator, Stephanie, and I missed that she was struggling.
00:52:56How about we just both take the blame?
00:53:01How's the deal?
00:53:02Okay.
00:53:02We just need to get her back on track.
00:53:05Yeah.
00:53:07How bad is this?
00:53:08I think it's gonna be just fine.
00:53:10I mean, I will have to do a little bit of a ride.
00:53:12Yeah.
00:53:13You know, it's par for the course.
00:53:17Okay.
00:53:17Okay?
00:53:20I'm sorry.
00:53:21I'll talk to you later.
00:53:23Okay.
00:53:23Okay.
00:53:33She said that I think I'm black.
00:53:36I should find other people to hang with.
00:53:40Why is it a big deal?
00:53:42Why do people care?
00:53:44Like I got mad and I just reacted.
00:53:51Rachel, we're gonna face that.
00:53:52A lot.
00:53:55And we can't control them.
00:53:57What we can do is control how we react to it.
00:54:01You have to learn to use your words and not your fists.
00:54:08Now, school?
00:54:11Rachel?
00:54:13Come on, baby. What did I just say?
00:54:18I don't always understand what I'm reading.
00:54:20But I can read.
00:54:23It's just we change schools a lot.
00:54:27No one seemed to care that I didn't understand.
00:54:29And I didn't want to make it harder for us to get out.
00:54:33No.
00:54:35So you thought...
00:54:36I have some news for you.
00:54:39Parents don't want perfect children.
00:54:42We're not perfect, so how can we expect you to be?
00:54:45What did Pastor Brooks preach about last week?
00:54:49That the only perfect person is Jesus.
00:54:52Mm-hmm.
00:54:54So did you turn into him and forget to tell me?
00:54:56No.
00:54:57No, I didn't think so.
00:55:00And for the record...
00:55:02Rachel, baby.
00:55:04I care.
00:55:07And you know what else?
00:55:09What?
00:55:10There is a reason you were placed with me.
00:55:14I was a teacher before I became vice principal.
00:55:17Right in the...
00:55:18Absolutely.
00:55:20And if I ask if you need help, don't be afraid to say yes.
00:55:24Yes.
00:55:25Okay.
00:55:25Okay?
00:55:28And you're grounded.
00:55:30There's no fighting.
00:55:31No matter the reason.
00:55:33Got it.
00:55:34Got it?
00:55:52Okay.
00:55:53Let's try one more.
00:55:54You ready?
00:55:55I'm ready.
00:55:56Okay.
00:55:58Bobby walks proudly the adverb.
00:56:04So, the adverb describes the verb?
00:56:08That's correct.
00:56:11Bobby walks proudly by...
00:56:13Proudly.
00:56:14Proudly describes how Bobby walks.
00:56:16That's right.
00:56:20I really got it right.
00:56:22You really got it right.
00:56:25Rachel, you are a smart girl.
00:56:28No one's ever said that before.
00:56:33How long have you and Peter been on your own?
00:56:37A long time.
00:56:38Yeah.
00:56:39And you've survived.
00:56:41If you weren't smart enough.
00:56:43Okay.
00:56:43Okay.
00:56:44Let's do it.
00:56:45Let's do it.
00:56:54I just read your write-up.
00:56:55You didn't remove them?
00:56:57Excuse me?
00:56:58The Reed children?
00:56:59There was a violent incident and I can't see where you removed them from the home.
00:57:04Rachel had a fight at school.
00:57:06It wasn't violence in the home.
00:57:08Has she ever done this before?
00:57:09Well, no.
00:57:10Well, then it was obviously the environment.
00:57:11I told you, they needed a new home.
00:57:14Bill, that is extreme.
00:57:15My problem is.
00:57:16Monica is a good mother.
00:57:17She provides a good home.
00:57:18Well, obviously she's having trouble with the situation.
00:57:21How do you figure?
00:57:22I also saw the child's grades.
00:57:23Rachel, she's failing because we keep uprooting her.
00:57:26Stephanie, I am ordering the removal of the children ASAP.
00:57:29Here's a couple who will take them on.
00:57:35No.
00:57:36No, I spoke to this couple already.
00:57:38I tried to place Rachel and Peter with them already.
00:57:40They're not interested.
00:57:40Try again.
00:57:41And then you can try the group home.
00:57:44Bill.
00:57:44This isn't a request.
00:57:52Wait, are we supposed to start with the corners?
00:57:54How do you start with the corners?
00:57:55You don't even know where the corners are.
00:57:57I have no idea where the corners are.
00:57:57Look how many pieces that are.
00:57:58Use your brain, use your brain.
00:58:00This is my biggest one.
00:58:06I'm so sorry.
00:58:08Sorry about that.
00:58:10I tried to get him to be reasonable, but...
00:58:14It's out of my hands.
00:58:15What are you talking about?
00:58:20Rachel and Peter have to be removed.
00:58:23What?
00:58:26Stephanie, why?
00:58:27If I did school, my supervisor thinks the environment caused it.
00:58:30The environment?
00:58:31That's not the fire way.
00:58:34I want some of those ones.
00:58:36Yeah.
00:58:36Yeah.
00:58:37Give us some.
00:58:39No!
00:58:39I solved these.
00:58:41Can I take this whole piece?
00:58:42Can I take this whole piece?
00:58:44And this whole piece?
00:58:46I will serve this.
00:59:15Mom, are you going to do something?
00:59:17There's nothing I can do.
00:59:17I can do, my love.
00:59:20I'm not done fighting.
00:59:23Okay?
00:59:28I need you to hear me when I'm obsessed.
00:59:31Let's go.
00:59:35No, never alone.
00:59:43He promised never to leave, never to leave us alone.
01:00:11He promised never to leave, never to leave us alone.
01:00:28He promised never to leave us alone.
01:00:29No, never to leave us alone for you, cause that we touch nothing so easy.
01:00:46He can even vulnerable.
01:00:50Bebering the true discourse, you'd be-
01:01:08God, I need you.
01:01:13I need all of you right now.
01:01:19When Charles was killed,
01:01:21I didn't have it in me to fight.
01:01:26And we had plans.
01:01:32But you had other plans.
01:01:35To become a foster parent,
01:01:38and through that,
01:01:38I got to expand our family.
01:01:45Yet here we are.
01:01:50If this isn't what I'm supposed to be doing,
01:01:54if this fight is not a fight that I'm supposed to be fighting God,
01:01:59I need you to let me know.
01:02:04Please.
01:02:12May I?
01:02:13Of course.
01:02:19You don't usually make it to Bible study.
01:02:22And I'm not making it tonight.
01:02:25I just needed a moment before I went home.
01:02:30What's troubling you?
01:02:32I heard some, but not all.
01:02:37They took Rachel and Peter away from you.
01:02:41Maybe my mom, Theo, the world.
01:02:47Maybe they're right.
01:02:50Maybe these kids belong with somebody
01:02:54that will make their lives easier.
01:02:58Let me ask you something.
01:03:05They showed up at my house hungry.
01:03:10And Rachel was bruised.
01:03:15And they both just look broken.
01:03:20Maybe God keeps sending him back to your home
01:03:22because you know what it is to be
01:03:24hungry, bruised, and broken.
01:03:32When Charles was killed,
01:03:35your soul was hungry.
01:03:38Hungry for answers,
01:03:40hungry for reasons.
01:03:43And through love,
01:03:44those kids will be healed too.
01:03:48I think God is trying to tell you that
01:03:51it's your house
01:03:53that's where they'll be healed in.
01:03:59Master, why is it so hard?
01:04:02Because
01:04:04it's worth having.
01:04:16You know,
01:04:18I think I have someone
01:04:20who may be able to help you.
01:04:22Come to my office
01:04:23while I make a call.
01:04:37Jordana Bridges.
01:04:38Monica Hogan.
01:04:39I have seen you a few times at church.
01:04:41Oh.
01:04:42Before they switched my schedule.
01:04:43Now I have to catch the services
01:04:45online when I get home.
01:04:47Have a seat.
01:04:50Thank you for seeing me.
01:04:52Oh.
01:04:52Pastor Brooks baptized me
01:04:54and my brothers.
01:04:55My parents would probably disown me
01:04:57if I didn't answer when he called.
01:04:59Understood.
01:05:00So he has filled me in a little,
01:05:02but I want to know more.
01:05:04Tell me your story.
01:05:06A few children come and go in my house.
01:05:09But Rachel and Peter were,
01:05:11are different.
01:05:13The first time they came,
01:05:15Peter wouldn't say a word.
01:05:16Not a single word.
01:05:18Unless Rachel directed him.
01:05:20And she didn't trust at all.
01:05:23But I got through to them.
01:05:25The second time they came,
01:05:27it was easier.
01:05:29But then it was harder
01:05:30to watch them leave.
01:05:32And now this time I just,
01:05:35I see two kids
01:05:37on the brink
01:05:38that could go either way
01:05:40if someone doesn't step in.
01:05:42And they were removed.
01:05:43Why?
01:05:44I was told it was because
01:05:46Rachel got into a fight.
01:05:49Are you ready to say out loud
01:05:51to the world
01:05:52what you think the reason is?
01:05:57I am.
01:06:07You look beautiful.
01:06:08Just tell them your story.
01:06:10Okay.
01:06:11Thank you, Mom.
01:06:15You all ready?
01:06:21I'm here with Monica Hogan
01:06:23and her two children,
01:06:24Leah and CJ.
01:06:26Monica is vice principal
01:06:27at Perry High School
01:06:28and the widow five years ago.
01:06:31We're coming to you today
01:06:32because Monica is on a quest
01:06:34to do something extraordinary.
01:06:36But she is fighting a battle.
01:06:41Tell us about Rachel and Peter
01:06:43and what you're trying to do for them.
01:06:45Rachel and Peter
01:06:46are two kids
01:06:47in the foster care system
01:06:49who have become
01:06:50part of our family.
01:06:52I filed a petition
01:06:54to adopt them
01:06:55and they were taken away
01:06:57before we could complete it.
01:06:59And why is that?
01:07:00The truth is
01:07:01it's because I'm black
01:07:03and they're white.
01:07:06You know,
01:07:07every year we hear
01:07:08about children
01:07:09being treated poorly
01:07:11or worse
01:07:12who have aged out of the system
01:07:13and they end up homeless
01:07:14or in jail
01:07:15because they had nowhere to go.
01:07:18They have no one
01:07:19to teach them along the way
01:07:21and...
01:07:22I just want to make sure
01:07:24that these two children
01:07:25do not end up being statistics.
01:07:30The color of our skin
01:07:31and the color of their skin
01:07:33should not get in the way
01:07:34of them being loved.
01:07:45Before we get out of here
01:07:47on this
01:07:48fine Sunday,
01:07:51I would like to take a moment
01:07:53to ask
01:07:54to stand up.
01:08:00five years ago,
01:08:03Monica faced a tragedy
01:08:06that
01:08:06none of us
01:08:08want to experience.
01:08:10Many of you here
01:08:12banded together
01:08:13and
01:08:13brought her meals
01:08:15and
01:08:15jumped in
01:08:17to help with
01:08:18Leah and CJ.
01:08:21And while it would have been
01:08:22easy for her
01:08:23to let that pain
01:08:24swallow her whole,
01:08:26she decided instead
01:08:28to do something
01:08:30wonderful
01:08:32and open her home
01:08:34to foster kids.
01:08:36...hours
01:08:36forever.
01:08:39And I'm asking the church
01:08:41to pray for Sister Monica
01:08:44and her family
01:08:45while she faces
01:08:45this hearing
01:08:46and to let her know
01:08:49we're all
01:08:50on her side.
01:08:59You left this downstairs, baby.
01:09:04Mom,
01:09:05come sit for a second.
01:09:08Okay.
01:09:10I just wanted
01:09:12to let you know
01:09:13that no matter
01:09:14what happens
01:09:14in court,
01:09:15I'm proud of you.
01:09:17And that will be...
01:09:18I do remember
01:09:18the really big ones
01:09:19and Daddy
01:09:20was huge
01:09:21on helping people.
01:09:22Oh, God.
01:09:23Yes, he was.
01:09:25What you're doing
01:09:26is as big
01:09:26as it can get,
01:09:27so I just wanted
01:09:29to let you know
01:09:29this is cool.
01:09:31It's cool.
01:09:32Yes.
01:09:33I love you, Leah.
01:09:36Duh.
01:09:38Mom, never say that.
01:09:39But you can?
01:09:40I'm 12.
01:09:41You're old.
01:09:42Oh, I've got you
01:09:44all a little girl.
01:09:49I really hope
01:09:51they get to be
01:09:51part of our family.
01:09:53Yeah.
01:09:54Me too.
01:10:06Did you see them outside?
01:10:08Yeah.
01:10:09It's a big deal.
01:10:10Why?
01:10:11All I want
01:10:11is to be a mom
01:10:12to those two kids.
01:10:13I know.
01:10:14And hopefully
01:10:15after today
01:10:15you will be.
01:10:16Miss Monica!
01:10:18We missed you guys.
01:10:19We missed you too.
01:10:22I got this new game.
01:10:24We have to try it
01:10:24when you get home.
01:10:25Yeah, definitely.
01:10:28Oh, sweetheart,
01:10:29look at me.
01:10:31Come here.
01:10:32No matter what this judge
01:10:34says,
01:10:34my house will
01:10:35always be your house.
01:10:37It will always be home.
01:10:40And no piece of paper
01:10:41or a judge can do.
01:10:42They're ready for us.
01:10:43Okay.
01:10:51All right.
01:10:59You may be seated.
01:11:04Good morning.
01:11:06We're here to decide
01:11:07on the adoption petition
01:11:08of Monica Hogan
01:11:09in relation to
01:11:10the two minor children,
01:11:11Rachel and Peter Reed.
01:11:13I've read the file
01:11:15and would not like to hear
01:11:16from the parties involved.
01:11:17Why don't we start
01:11:18with you, Miss Hogan?
01:11:25When I opened my home
01:11:27to foster kids,
01:11:28I didn't expect this.
01:11:30I have two kids
01:11:31and I'm a vice principal
01:11:34of a high school,
01:11:35so my plate was pretty full.
01:11:37I just,
01:11:39I thought I was doing
01:11:40a good deed.
01:11:43And then I met Rachel
01:11:45and Peter.
01:11:47They showed up
01:11:48and they changed our lives.
01:11:53They belong in our home.
01:11:58Trash, they fit
01:11:59in our home.
01:12:06And you attributed this
01:12:07directly to living
01:12:08with Miss Hogan?
01:12:09Yes, absolutely.
01:12:10It was the only factor
01:12:11that changed.
01:12:11It had to have been the home.
01:12:13I understand.
01:12:15And in your experience,
01:12:16do these situations
01:12:17tend to repeat themselves?
01:12:18They do.
01:12:20And I'm afraid
01:12:20that these kids
01:12:21in the home
01:12:22of a single mother
01:12:23just isn't a good fit.
01:12:24So in your professional opinion,
01:12:26you would not recommend
01:12:26the adoption?
01:12:27No.
01:12:28No, I wouldn't.
01:12:30I see that
01:12:32Rachel had a bruise
01:12:33when they arrived
01:12:34at Miss Hogan's house.
01:12:35Yes, that is true.
01:12:37But we can't be sure
01:12:38if those were inflicted
01:12:39over the course
01:12:40of them running away.
01:12:42I see.
01:12:44Is there anything else
01:12:46you wish to add?
01:12:51I've never had
01:12:52a brother before.
01:12:54I have Rachel,
01:12:55so having Leah
01:12:56is not a very big deal.
01:13:01Fair enough.
01:13:02I mean, I love her,
01:13:04but having a brother
01:13:05is different.
01:13:07So if it's okay with you,
01:13:09I would like to go back
01:13:10there with them
01:13:12because he has
01:13:13a new game
01:13:13for us to play.
01:13:23Our mom died
01:13:24of an overdose
01:13:24when I was six
01:13:25and Peter was four.
01:13:27But we had already
01:13:28been living with my grandma,
01:13:29which was great.
01:13:30At home,
01:13:30we met Stephanie.
01:13:34Look, when my grandma died,
01:13:36I had to make sure
01:13:36that Peter was okay.
01:13:39There was no one else
01:13:40about me.
01:13:42Yeah, I made us run away
01:13:44a lot, but those homes,
01:13:47they weren't home, Judge.
01:13:49Like, they were places
01:13:50where we slept,
01:13:51but it wasn't home
01:13:52until we got
01:13:53to Miss Monica's house.
01:13:55Look, she loves us.
01:13:57She takes care of us
01:13:58and makes sure
01:13:59we're okay,
01:14:00and for the first time,
01:14:00I don't have to look out
01:14:01for Peter by myself.
01:14:04I know she's black
01:14:05and we're not,
01:14:06but should that matter?
01:14:09I don't think so.
01:14:11Let us go home
01:14:12with our mom
01:14:13and our sister and mother.
01:14:18If there are no
01:14:19further testimony,
01:14:21then this court stands
01:14:22adjourned for one hour.
01:14:24It's time
01:14:26to make sure my decision.
01:14:42Hey.
01:14:43Hey.
01:14:44Hi.
01:14:45I, uh,
01:14:45I didn't expect
01:14:46to see you here.
01:14:48Honestly,
01:14:48I didn't expect
01:14:49to be here.
01:14:51Then why are you?
01:14:54I mean,
01:14:54I really heard you,
01:14:55Monica.
01:14:57Listen,
01:14:58I wasn't being fair.
01:14:59I let my own issues
01:15:00get in the way of me
01:15:01seeing that what you
01:15:02were doing was
01:15:03or is
01:15:05special.
01:15:07Seriously,
01:15:08it's great.
01:15:10And I know
01:15:10I have my own biases
01:15:11and things to work through,
01:15:13and I am.
01:15:15But you and this,
01:15:19I really admire it.
01:15:23I really miss you
01:15:24and those crazy kids.
01:15:27We miss you, too.
01:15:30But I just need
01:15:31a moment, Theo,
01:15:32just a second
01:15:33to process all of it.
01:15:35I completely understand.
01:15:36I, um,
01:15:37I'm going to go
01:15:37check on the kids.
01:15:38Yeah.
01:15:39Okay.
01:15:41I love you.
01:15:45I love you, too.
01:15:49Say it again.
01:15:52I love you.
01:15:53I love you.
01:15:54I love you.
01:15:55I love you.
01:15:57I love you.
01:16:07Miss Monica,
01:16:08can I pray with you?
01:16:10Oh.
01:16:15Dear God,
01:16:16if that's okay with you,
01:16:18we still really want her
01:16:19to be our friend.
01:16:21That's it.
01:16:22Amen.
01:16:23Mm.
01:16:24Amen.
01:16:25That was a good prayer.
01:16:27Yeah?
01:16:27Mm-hmm.
01:16:28I'm not that good at it yet.
01:16:30Well,
01:16:31there's no right
01:16:32or wrong way to pray.
01:16:33You just talk.
01:16:35So do you think
01:16:36we'll still be friends?
01:16:39Peter,
01:16:39we are family.
01:16:41Okay?
01:16:49All right.
01:16:57You may be seated.
01:16:59As well as the testimony
01:17:02presented here today,
01:17:05I am frankly quite troubled
01:17:07that children should have
01:17:07to go through this.
01:17:10The system should be designed
01:17:11so that no child
01:17:12falls through the cracks,
01:17:13so that no child
01:17:15leaves the home
01:17:15bruised and battered
01:17:17when they should be loved
01:17:18and uplifted.
01:17:20Nothing else.
01:17:22This case has shown me
01:17:23that we have a great deal
01:17:24of work to do.
01:17:27Ms. Hogan,
01:17:29though you may not have
01:17:30a traditional home,
01:17:31it is my belief
01:17:32that you have one
01:17:33filled with
01:17:34everything that is necessary
01:17:35for a child to flourish.
01:17:39In this case, too.
01:17:42Read.
01:17:43Read.
01:17:44Read.
01:18:21mom dinner's ready of our new family
01:18:31thank you father for our new family amen amen right want some bread i made
01:18:39me oh me first peter oh my goodness did you really make the bread
01:18:46oh wow
01:19:10oh
01:19:21oh
01:19:22oh
01:19:22oh
01:19:22oh
01:19:25oh
01:19:35oh
01:19:36oh
01:19:36oh
01:19:36oh
01:19:37oh
01:19:45oh
01:19:49oh
01:19:50oh
01:19:51oh
01:19:52oh
01:19:53oh
01:19:53oh
01:19:54oh
01:20:05oh
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