Motel Acacia

My mother told me a story once.

About a creature my father met.

With a hunger for men

and lust for women.

What lived in the trees now lives within.

You better be thankful you weren't arrested, boy.

It's only been less than a year

and it's the second time now you've almost been caught.

They knew my black ID was fake.

But I was careful, sir, I promise.

And they didn't see my face.

You can't show weakness, boy.

You won't survive out here if you do.

Things will be different when we get to the motel.

Don't expect the same comforts you had in the city.

They don't even make these at home anymore.

Mama used to smoke this when I was a kid.

It was hers.

Long time ago, isn't it?

I'm sorry, it's too cold.

Bring the supplies.

This will make you untouchable.

Well, almost.

It wasn't easy getting you here, boy.

And it sure as fuck wasn't cheap either.

But you have my blood in your brown veins.

That's the only reason you're here.

Hey!

I've been waiting here forever, man.

You've got to feed me.

I'll eat anything.

- Come on, you said that... - I said what?

Isn't this place meant for immigrants?

Do you see any around?

- That woman, Angeli... - Not me.

...she said that this all comes with my documents.

Hot food and bed, too.

I think that woman's mouth tends to run, doesn't it?

Food's not going to be hot,

and I get to pick where you sleep.

You're free to walk back to that cabin.

In this weather? Are you fucking kidding?

I'm all paid up, man, with extras!

Hey!

You'll see there's a system in place here, boy.

It strikes a very delicate balance.

One thing out of order...

and it all slips into chaos!

Can I trust you, boy?

I'm your son, sir.

Yes, but children disappoint their parents all the time.

I need proof.

How?

Our friend's clothes are filthy.

Tell him to get rid of them.

You want him to strip?

What I want is to get rid of his clothes

and all traces of him being here.

Yes, but you can do that inside the motel.

No, I don't want him dragging his grime inside.

What will he wear?

Sorry?

What will he wear?

Is this difficult for you, boy?

Are you shy?

Why are we doing this, sir?

Why are you doing this, sir?

Or are you not ready to take charge?

It should be easy for you though.

He's one of your kind.

Hey... uh, are you Filipino?

What's your name?

Dee, Dee Hernandez.

Dee. Listen, okay?

I know this might sound a little...

But I need you to listen.

And I need your cooperation.

Remove all your clothes before going to your room.

You crazy?

No fucking way!

I knew it!

God damn fucking perverts.

Dee! You still hungry?

Look!

Do it and this is yours.

I've already paid for that!

I've already paid for that, motherfucker!

Dee, please.

Do me a favor.

Do me a favor. Help me get this over with.

Stop begging, J.C..

Take your fucking clothes off, man, or leave!

I'll leave then!

Just give me back my fucking money.

Cold doesn't scare me.

If the cold doesn't get you,

the border patrol will.

They're everywhere. Trust me.

We need to help each other.

You want me to undress, huh?

Here.

All your money's there.

We're not thieves.

Stop standing around, boys.

About what Angeli said...

- Food and a bed right? - Yeah.

And about that?

Bed's down here.

The rest we can take care of in the morning.

Uh, I was thinking, if you could just lend me some warm clothes.

I'll pay for it.

And you can keep the rest of the money.

You know, it's suicide, man,

if you go outside this time of night.

No, no, no, no, decide in the morning.

And if you want to cancel the deal and leave tomorrow,

I'll throw in a new set of clothes for free.

But really, I'd rather leave tonight

if that's still okay with you.

This is your room.

It's not necessary, sir.

Now listen very carefully.

I didn't want to bring you here.

In that fucking cabin, you asked to come.

You insisted on coming.

No, you pleaded.

You begged to come.

And now you want to leave?

Fair enough.

Leave.

Go!

But go as you are.

Freeze to death, or get shot.

Everything you need is inside.

So...

why are you here?

- To take over. - Take over what?

This. I know it's not legal.

But it ain't exactly illegal either.

You know...

when I first left my country...

it was to go to yours.

And I did things.

I made choices.

choices I could never take back.

And this moment reminds me of one of those choices.

Choices?

You can trust me, sir.

Oh, by the way...

I'll tell you if I trust you,

not the other way around.

Who built all this?

Does it matter?

Look.

That's what we do.

Just look, boy.

Clean this up.

What?

Take over.

Start by cleaning this up.

Oh, and if it calls out, just ignore it.

Oh, don't worry, J.C..

Don't worry, boy.

It just likes fucking with people.

Oh, what's happening?

You clean this up as well.

But don't use water!

We have chemicals at the back for this place.

Shh, shh, shh.

Okay, are you okay?

Are you okay?

Then one more thing.

Whatever you do,

no matter what,

never bring a woman into this room.

Ever.

Samuel. What did you promise mama?

I told you no TV during school days.

I don't like it when you misbehave.

Is Doctor Carl there?

Son, give the phone to him.

Doctor Carl, can you hear me?

The signal is terrible out here.

Doctor?

I've double checked with the bank. It was deposited the other day.

Can we schedule Samuel's operation?

Huh? Hello? Doctor?

Doctor? Hello?

Just get it done!

Hello?

Fuck.

Miss?

Miss, you can't be here. You have to leave.

Apologies.

Angeli?

My papers are in order.

- Who are you? - J.C..

Are you lost?

Me? Lost?

You're trespassing. Please leave.