WRITER'S NOTE:
Hey fam, my apologies for the long delay... But life. LOL Here's the first Act of EP 103.
As always, thanks for reading and your support! 🥰🥰🙏🏽🙏🏽
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ACT ONE
MUSIC CUE: "HEAVEN" - BEYONCE'
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR- KITCHEN - EVENING (MONTAGE)
On a laptop, DARNELL pics out photos of Lisa for the service. He tears up at a childhood pic of them on his front porch.
FLASHBACK - EXT. NEVADA - FRONT PORCH - AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
On her bike, LISA (10) looks up as the door flies open.
RENEE (O.S.)
Darnell?! Get your behind back here right now and apologize. Darnell?!
Fuming, DARNELL (10) storms out and SLAMS the DOOR. He plops down on the steps.
With a smirk, Lisa drops her bike and walks over.
LISA
What'd you do now, Trevon?
DARNELL
Her boyfriend asked me to go to a football game. I told him hell naw.
LISA
Why are you so hard on Mr. Corey? He seems nice...
DARNELL
I ain't looking for no daddy.
LISA
Okay... But it wouldn't kill you to get to know him. Give him a chance.
DARNELL
Nah... I'm good. He'll be gone soon enough. Just like the others.
Saddened for Darnell, Lisa rests her head on his shoulder.
INT. HAYES MANOR - KITCHEN - EVENING (BACK TO PRESENT)
KIA walks up, rests her hands on Darnell's shoulders, and kisses the top of his head. He leans into her touch.
DARNELL
... I hate this. I shouldn't be getting ready to say goodbye... Lisa should be here.
(chokes up)
We're supposed to raise the girls together, Kia.
Kia pulls Darnell into an embrace as he sobs.
INT. LISA / ANT'S HOUSE - DESTINY'S ROOM - MORNING (MONTAGE)
Dressed in all black, SPENCER watches Olivia help Destiny with her hair. A slight smile crosses his face as he remembers...
FLASHBACK - INT. SLAUSON CAFE - BAR - MORNING (MONTAGE)
Seated on Spencer's lap, DESTINY (2) plays with his chain. Stunned, Spencer's eyes bounce from ANTHONY and LISA to OLIVIA.
SPENCER
(tears up)
... Godparents. You want us to be Destiny's godparents?
ANTHONY
(nods)
Listen, Spence... You two have been there from the very beginning.
(looks to Lisa)
The first two years as new parents weren't easy for us... We wouldn't have gotten through it without you. Both of you.
LISA
There's no one we trust more.
OLIVIA
Wow... I don't know what to say.
ANTHONY
Say yes...
Spencer slips his hand into Olivia's. They both nod.
OLIVIA
Yes, of course... We're honored.
SPENCER
We won't let you down... You can count on us. That's a promise.
INT. LISA / ANT'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING (BACK TO PRESENT)
Spence eyes Olivia with concern as she fastens his cufflinks.
SPENCER
You okay?
Olivia drops Spencer's wrist and avoids his gaze.
OLIVIA
Yep, I'm fine. Everything's fine.
SPENCER
You wanna try that again?
OLIVIA
I am fine... I have to be. Destiny needs me. I can't fall apart now.
Olivia starts to walk away. He grabs her wrist pulling her back. He brushes a curl behind her ear and cups her face.
SPENCER
Hey, you don't have to be strong in front of me... You don't have to pretend. It's just me, Liv.
OLIVIA
(voice cracks)
When I left LA, I pushed everyone here away... But Anthony and Lisa wouldn't let me. They showed up for me so many times. Kept me sane.
And now they're gone...
SPENCER
I miss them too... Ant and I got so close. Still can't wrap my head around this.
OLIVIA
What if I can't keep my promise?
(off confused Spencer)
The girls... I don't want to let them down. I-- I can't let them--
Spencer pulls Olivia closer and rubs her back as she sobs.
INT. CHURCH - SANCTUARY - AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
VORTEX and GUESTS fill the pews. Spencer sits with his arms around Olivia and Destiny as the PASTOR gives the eulogy. Grace holds TIANNA.
EXT. CHURCH - LATER
Spencer chats with GRACE as GUESTS pay their respects.
GRACE
... You sure you don't want me to stay longer to help with the girls?
SPENCER
Nah... I've got it under control. Liv's been a huge help. Kia and Darnell. Plus the nanny.
GRACE
Have you started the process for guardianship? Adoption?
SPENCER
(nods)
It's in Ant and Lisa's will but that was back when Liv and I were together... So, Mrs. Baker put me in touch with a lawyer. Just trying to get in front of it, ya know?
GRACE
Well, what about--
With Tianna on her hip, Olivia walks over with Kia. With a concerned look, she nods over toward Destiny seated on a bench with a young man... RAY (29).
OLIVIA
Hey, who's that talking to Destiny?
Spencer's jaw tightens as he follows Olivia's gaze just as Darnell walks up with CHRISTIAN "CHUNK", TRISTAN "MUNK", and KIANNA.
SPENCER
Don't know but I'm gonna find out.
Spencer stalks off. Kia grabs Kianna from Darnell.
KIA
Go stop Spence from doing something stupid...
GRACE
Kia, you took the words right outta my mouth.
Darnell rushes after Spencer. Munk rubs his hands together and gives Chunk a knowing look. Seeing a possible opportunity to hit pay dirt off their equally hotheaded, foul-mouthed, dad and uncle the dynamic duo takes off after them.
A suspicious Spencer walks up and glares down at Ray with Darnell, Chunk, and Munk in tow.
SPENCER
Destiny... Time to go.
(to Ray)
Sorry, don't think we've met. Spencer James. And you are?
RAY
Forgive me... I'm Ray Jones. Anthony's brother.
Destiny gets up and Spencer places a protective arm around her. Ray extends his hand which Spencer reluctantly accepts.
DARNELL
Funny... I don't remember Ant mentioning a brother in all the years we've known him. You, Spence?
SPENCER
Never... Just his Moms that he visits at Shady Pines retirement home twice a month.
RAY
We reconnected recently.
DARNELL
How convenient.
RAY
I was just telling sweet Destiny she could visit me and my wife in Texas... Meet her cousins.
Destiny becomes uneasy and fidgets which Spencer notices.
SPENCER
Desi, why don't you go over there with your G Mama?
DARNELL
(nods towards Chunk and Munk)
Take Thing One and Thing Two while you are at it...
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Aww come on, bro.
DARNELL
Scram...
Destiny nods and pulls the twins away. Spencer turns to Ray.
SPENCER
Listen... I'm sorry but I don't know you from Adam. So, Destiny isn't going anywhere.
RAY
I'm her blood... Her real family.
Temper rising, Spencer gets in Ray's face.
SPENCER
Nigga... Yo blood. Blood of Jesus. I don't care. Stay away from her.
Darnell pushes Spencer back.
DARNELL
Aight... Cool out.
With a smirk, Ray puts his hands up and backs away.
RAY
Point taken...
Off Spencer, as an uneasy feeling washes over him.
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Olivia and Spencer watch a movie with Destiny and Tianna.
OLIVIA
(hesitates)
... Destiny, the man from earlier had you ever seen him before today?
DESTINY
A few times... Daddy was always in a bad mood afterward. I'd ask Mama why but you know she'd just say--
OLIVIA
(smirks)
Doesn't concern you, little girl.
Destiny nods. Anxious, she wrings her hands together.
DESTINY
But...
Spencer and Olivia share a knowing look. But nosey Destiny is always listening, chile.
OLIVIA
What, love muffin? You can tell us.
DESTINY
I overheard Daddy and Mama arguing about him once. Daddy got mad cause Mama gave him money... He said his brother was worse than the Devil himself and couldn't be trusted.
Off Olivia and Spencer as their eyes widen.
CHYRON: TWO MONTHS LATER
MUSIC CUE: "SMILE" - FROM THE MOVIE "MY GIRL"
EXT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - MORNING
With earbuds in, a somber Destiny swings back and forth on the porch swing as she listens to Lisa's MUSIC on her PHONE. Tears fall as she remembers...
"Smile though your heart is aching... Smile even though it's breaking. When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by... If you smile through your fears and sorrow..." 🎶🎶🎶
MEMORY FLASH
Seated with Lisa on the porch swing, Destiny is all smiles as Lisa sings to her while she braids her locks.
END MEMORY FLASH
Concerned Spencer, watches from the doorway as Destiny wipes a stray tear away.
With a baby monitor in hand, he sits next to her. He taps her shoulder and she removes her earbuds.
SPENCER
I've been looking all over for you.
Spencer smirks and nudges Destiny's side.
SPENCER
You hiding from me?
DESTINY
(shakes head "no")
Do ya need help with Tee Tee?
SPENCER
Nope. Thought we could do something fun today. Arcade? Amusement park? Movies? What do you say?
DESTINY
Nah... That's okay.
SPENCER
What?! You don't wanna hang with your G Dad? Hey, I'm fun!
DESTINY
I know. I just don't feel like doing any of those things.
SPENCER
What would you like to do?
(off Destiny's shrug.)
Anything you want, Princess.
DESTINY
(chokes back tears)
To see Mama... and Daddy again.
SPENCER
Destiny...
Spencer tries to console Destiny but she jumps up and runs into the house.
With a heavy sigh, he pulls out his phone and dials.
SPENCER
Hey... I need your help.
INT. KEATING / TAYLOR RECORDS - STUDIO - SAME TIME
A little over four months pregnant, Layla listens to Lisa's last song recorded and gets misty-eyed. She remembers...
FLASHBACK - INT. KEATING/TAYLOR RECORDS - STUDIO - NIGHT
Layla's eyes light up as she listens to Lisa lay a track. A beat. Lisa removes her headphones and comes in with a huff.
LAYLA
That was incredible... You've got another hit. Dare I say Grammy.
Lisa sits down and runs her hand across her face.
LISA
It's a great song... But it isn't me. This whole album. I'm an R&B singer, Layla. That's the kind of music I should be putting out. Not Pop. I want to get back to my roots.
LAYLA
I know... Just one more album. Just give me one more and I promise we'll put out the record you want.
LISA
(deflated)
Okay...
INT. KEATING / TAYLOR RECORDS - STUDIO (BACK TO PRESENT)
Patience taps on the door stirring Layla from her thoughts.
PATIENCE
Hello?! Earth to Layla... Are you ready for our session?
Layla simply blinks back tears and nods.
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Olivia walks in and finds Destiny lying across her parent's bed. She sits down beside her. Destiny looks up at her with sad eyes. Olivia strokes her hair.
OLIVIA
Rough morning, huh?
DESTINY
(hesitates)
Saturday mornings were me and Mama's time together... Just us. Before Daddy and Tee Tee woke up. Now she's gone... Now Saturday mornings are just-- just.
OLIVIA
Kinda sad...
DESTINY
Yeah.
Olivia wipes a tear from Destiny's eye as it escapes.
OLIVIA
(heavy sigh)
Father-daughter brunch on Sundays... That's what I miss.
DESTINY
The memories hurt... But I'm scared one day I'll forget them.
OLIVIA
You won't... Trust me.
Olivia pulls out her quilt made of Billy's shirts...
OLIVIA
So, Mama Grace made this for me. It's made from my Dad's old shirts. So... I was thinking we could pick out some of your Mama and Dad's shirts so she can make you one.
Destiny runs her hand across the quilt and cracks the first smile of the day.
DESTINY
Really? One for Tianna too?
Olivia nods as she rubs Destiny's back. She looks up and locks eyes with Spencer standing in the doorway. He winks at her and mouths "Thank you." before walking away.
I/E. LISA / ANT'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM / BACKYARD - LATER
From the window, Spencer and Olivia watch a now smiling Destiny push Tianna on the swing set outside.
SPENCER
... Thanks again for today...
(heavy sigh)
You're much better at this than me.
OLIVIA
(slight smirk)
Because I'm special... No, seriously don't be so hard on yourself, Spence. You're great with the girls. That's why Ant and Lisa chose you to take care of them.
SPENCER
Yeah, well let's just hope the judge agrees with them.
Off Spencer, riddled with uncertainty.
CHYRON: TWO WEEKS LATER
INT. ATLANTA - BAKER MANOR - KITCHEN - EVENING
The kitchen is in disarray. Pots, pans, bottles, and dishes fill the sink and counter. JORDAN makes a bottle as he catches up with Olivia on the PHONE.
JORDAN
... So, how's Destiny?
OLIVIA
She still has her bad days but she's adjusting... Slowly.
JORDAN
Understandable.
OLIVIA
I can't wait to meet little Devin... How's Monee?
Jordan grimaces as he searches for a nice way to describe his wife's demeanor.
JORDAN
Uh... Monee's. Umm. She's--
SIMONE (O.S.)
Jordan Baker?! Just how long does it take to make a damn bottle?!
JORDAN
(heavy sigh)
Adjusting... She's adjusting.
(yells to Simone)
Coming, Sweetheart!
INT. ATLANTA - BAKER MANOR - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Simone tries to calm down a fussy Devin (two months old) as she resists the urge to strangle SIENNA, JAYDEN, and Jordan.
SIMONE
... For the last time, no Jayden you can not have another snack. You'll spoil your dinner.
JAYDEN
Aww... Man.
Jayden plops back on the sofa and sulks. An impatient Sienna eyes her Apple watch. Nine going on twenty-five, chile.
SIENNA
Speaking of dinner... Is Dad gonna take me to the mall before dinner? Like this century?
SIMONE
Little girl...
Jordan rushes through the door and holds the bottle out to Simone who snatches it and gives it to a very hungry Devin.
SIMONE
Finally.
SIENNA
Dad, can we go now?
JORDAN
Go where?
SIENNA
You promised to take me to the mall. So I can get a dress for Heather's party.
JORDAN
I just bought you a dress.
Sienna looks at Jordan like he's grown two heads.
SIENNA
For you Stacy's party... I can't wear the same dress, Dad. Mama, can you tell him, please?
SIMONE
She can't wear the same dress.
JORDAN
(mumbles)
It's a perfectly good dress.
SIMONE
Wait... Heather? I thought you didn't like Heather.
SIENNA
I don't... But her Dad's shutting down the whole amusement park.
(shrugs)
We all gotta make sacrifices.
Jordan yawns and pulls out his Playstation controllers and tosses one to Jayden.
JORDAN
Si... Dad's pooped. Your baby brother wore me out. We'll go tomorrow.
SIENNA
(pouts)
But Daddy. You said that yesterday.
SIMONE
(raises a brow at Jordan)
Wore you out?
Jordan leans back on the sofa and exhales.
JORDAN
Tomorrow. I promise. Bright and early.
Sienna jumps up with a huff and stalks upstairs.
SIENNA
Little crumb snatcher's ruining my life... Should've gotten a dog.
SIMONE
Alright. I've had enough of your sassy mouth young lady.
(to Jordan)
Don't want you on that game all night... The house is a mess.
JORDAN
Two hours tops, babe.
SIMONE
I'm serious, Jordan... I need you to help out more.
JORDAN
Monee, I know you're stressed. But you know it's about to be crunch time with the team.
(off Simone's glare)
But... With Thanksgiving coming up I think it'd be the perfect time for Si to visit Liv and Destiny.
SIMONE
That's a great idea... Guess you are good for something, Baker.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Kia adjusts the straps on her stiletto heels. Her PHONE RINGS. DARNELL CALLING. She answers.
KIA
... Hey, baby. You on the way? I'm about to drop the kids off at Clay and Layla's house.
DARNELL
Nah, I gotta stay back and meet with some of the guys.
KIA
Darnell... This is the third time you've canceled date night.
DARNELL
Sorry, baby. I'll make it up to ya... Oh, shit. Gotta go. Coach's calling me.
Darnell hangs up before Kia can respond.
KIA
Love you too...
Kia groans as she takes off her heels.
KIA
Who wants pizza?
TRISTAN "MUNK"/ CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Yay!
KIANNA
Pizza... Ki eat pizza.
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Chunk and Munk PLAY VIDEO GAMES while Tianna plays with her dolls. Kianna plays beauty shop and brushes Spencer's hair. Hard. He grimaces. Destiny and Sienna come downstairs dressed and ready to go.
Kia and Olivia eye Spencer nervously.
OLIVIA
... Are you sure you're gonna be okay watching all the kids?
SPENCER
Liv, you acting like this the first time I'm babysitting.
KIA
Spence... This is the first time you've had two toddlers plus Ren and Stimpy over there. All day, Spence. All day.
SPENCER
(scoffs, shoes them away)
Please. I'm a two-timed Super Bowl champion. I can handle four kids...
Go have fun on your Girls' Spa Day or whatever... I got this.
Sienna and Destiny eye Tianna and Kianna devouring two of Spencer's double chocolate cupcakes.
DESTINY
This is gonna be a disaster.
SIENNA
Kinda hate we're gonna miss it.
OLIVIA
(snort laughs)
Welp... You heard the man. Let's go ladies.
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
A few hours later... Mischievous twins Chunk and Munk, sit back and watch the shit show unfold. One they helped create.
SERIES OF SHOTS
---- Unbeknownst to Spencer, Chunk sneaks and gives two cookies to Tianna and Kianna. Munk fist-bumps him.
---- BABY SHARK BLARES on repeat. Hopped up on sugar, Tianna and Kianna dance, and run circles around poor Spencer. With a devilish grin, Munk records it on video.
---- Spencer smiles at Tianna sweetly.
SPENCER
Baby girl, we've watched Little Mermaid two times already. How about we watch Toy--
TIANNA
Nooooo! Mermaid! Mermaid!
---- Dressed in little Doctor jackets, Tianna repeatedly jabs Spencer's arm with a play "needle" while Kianna tries to shove a syringe down his throat to give him his "medicine."
KIANNA
Open! Say Ahhhhhh. Open! Open!
---- Back on their video game, Chunk and Munk secretly gloat over their well-thought-out plan.
---- Tired of sharing, Kianna snatches her doll from Tianna.
KIANNA
Mine! My baby. Mine!
---- Tears fill Tianna's eyes and she screams bloody murder.
END SERIES OF SHOTS
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DINING ROOM / BAR - SAME TIME
Olivia stands as the BUZZER VIBRATES on the table. She begins to walk to the front.
Suddenly, she's pulled toward the back and comes face to face with DERRICK. He tightens his grip as she tries to get away.
DERRICK
You've been ignoring my calls. Texts... You're starting to hurt my feelings, Love.
Olivia struggles under his grasp.
OLIVIA
You'd think the restraining order would be a clue that I don't want to see you.
DERRICK
Come on, Oli... You know I'm not gonna let a silly piece of paper keep me from what belongs to me.
OLIVIA
I'm not yours Derrick. You need--
Derrick tightens his grip and Olivia winces in pain. He bangs his fist against the wall.
DERRICK
My patience is beginning to wear thin, Olivia. Now--
SIENNA (O.S.)
Auntie?!
Derrick quickly backs away as Sienna and Destiny rush over. He winks at Olivia as he walks off. As Kia exits the bathroom, she eyes Derrick suspiciously.
DERRICK
I'll be in touch, Oli...
SIENNA
Are you okay? Who was that?
DESTINY
I got the whole thing on video.
Olivia gives Sienna and Destiny a reassuring hug.
OLIVIA
I'm okay, my loves.
(off Kia's raised brow)
Don't ask...
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Kianna and Tianna have moved on to Tianna's drum set. A Christmas gift courtesy of G Daddy Spence. Amateur. Shaken, Spencer clutches tightly onto the PHONE as he talks to Darnell.
DARNELL
... Everything good, bro?
SPENCER
Yep... All good.
DARNELL
Glad to hear it. Cause the Nike photo shoot's taking longer than expected. Can't leave right now. But you got it, right?
Before Spencer can utter a word, Darnell hangs up. A single stray tear slides down Spencer's face as he puts the phone down. Chunk and Munk snicker and whisper from behind the couch.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Is he crying? We better help.
Chunk starts to walk over to Spencer. Munk pushes him back.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
(pats chest)
I got this, bro.
Chunk and Munk smugly walk over to Spencer.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
G Daddy you okay? You look you're gonna throw up.
Spencer stares off into space and just nods.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
We'll play with them til Mama gets back.
Spencer's face lights up and he pats Chunk's head.
SPENCER
Thanks, little dudes... I'm gonna start dinner.
Spencer starts to get up, but Munk pushes him back down.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Not so fast... Nothing in life's free, my brother.
Off the twins, as they rub their hands together.
INT. LISA / ANTHONY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Kitchen door swings open, Spencer walks in and stops cold.
SPENCER
... Hey Chunky Munky y'all want cheese on your ham--
With Koolaid smiles on their faces, Chunk and Munk lay back on beach lounge chairs as Tianna and Kianna bring them "snacks". Chunk snaps his fingers in the air.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
... Excuse me, Miss Ki Bear. Excuse me. I asked for Sprite. Not water.
Kianna giggles as she grabs a "Sprite" and runs over to Chunk handing it to him.
KIANNA
Sprite... Bubba. Sprite.
SPENCER
What the heck going on here?
TRISTAN "MUNK"
(smirks)
We're playing Hotel... They love it.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
(matches Munk's smirk)
Aww, we forget to tell you... It's their favorite game. My bad, bro.
SPENCER
Why you two little sh--
Chunk and Munk hold out their ears. What was that?
SPENCER
Con artists...
Two hours later, Kia, Olivia, Destiny, and Sienna stifle laughter as the twins continue to play "Hotel" with the girls.
KIA
(to Spencer)
How much did they get outta you?
SPENCER
Fifty... Each.
KIA
(shakes head)
Amateur. They would've done it for ten... Total.
OLIVIA
(smirks)
Two-time Super Bowl champ, huh?
SPENCER
Shut it...
Destiny pats Spencer's shoulder and shakes her head as she walks away. Sienna matches her energy.
DESTINY
We were rooting for you.
SIENNA
We were all rooting for you.
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS - RESTAURANT - PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
Spencer is all smiles as he leaves Saturday brunch with Destiny, Tianna, Olivia, and Sienna.
A beat. RANDOM MAN walks up.
RANDOM MAN
Spencer Alonzo James?
Spencer turns to face the man and eyes him suspiciously.
SPENCER
Yeah... Who's asking?
RANDOM MAN
Spencer James. You've been served.
The man hands him an envelope and walks away. Spence rips it open and reads the letter.
He stumbles back and looks up at Olivia.
SPENCER
Ant's brother's suing me for full custody of the girls.
Off Olivia and Spencer as they process this latest news.
INT. PASADENA - COFFEE SHOP - DINING AREA - MORNING
Two days later... An anxious Olivia blows on her coffee and takes a sip. The DOOR CHIMES.
A beat. Olivia looks up as a slender frame drops into the seat across from her.
ALISHA
Thanks for meeting me...
Off Olivia and Alisha, as they come face-to-face.
END ACT ONE