Kidnapped By a Classmate

Good morning.

Morning.

You look exhausted.

You sleep okay?

- Yeah, I was just up a little late

talking with some friends back home.

How's everybody doing?

Good.

Just miss them, you know?

Still haven't made any real friends around here yet.

Yet.

Listen, I know it's hard.

But if you put yourself out there,

you're gonna make some new friends.

Just takes a little effort.

I know.

- What do you want for breakfast?

- No, no, no, don't worry about it.

I actually want to get to school

a little early to study, so.

Good morning, ladies.

Morning.

- Aren't you going to be late for your interview

at the youth center?

Oh, they pushed it to 11.

I don't know why I'm so nervous today.

Please.

You got a ton of experience, they'd be lucky to have you.

He's right, Mom.

- Well, can I use family members as references?

You are awesome.

Just know that.

According to?

Well, me for one.

And on that note.

I'll see ya, bye, kiddo.

Bye.

Oh, look at this.

You can't wear this.

I need to take you shopping.

- Oh, no, it's nothing, don't worry about it.

- Brooke, we can afford it, it's okay.

Yeah.

Forget.

- Okay, so first thing in the morning, me and you?

Shopping?

Okay.

I love you, Mom.

I love you too.

- I'll see you later. - Have a good day.

- You too. - Bye.

I am so sorry.

You're in my history class.

Brooke, right?

Yeah.

Corey.

- Um, well, did you study for that quiz today?

Nope.

But it's not gonna affect my D average though, so.

Wow.

My mom would kill me for anything less than a B.

Oh yeah?

Wanna mom swap?

Yeah.

I was kidding.

I know.

Um.

Yep.

- Okay, well, I'm off to take that quiz

that I wish I didn't have to take.

Okay.

Anyway.

I'll see you next period?

See you next period.

Okay.

See you round.

- Soon, in history. - Yeah, right.

Dude.

That new girl is way out of your league.

You know she lives in Westmont, right?

Family's like loaded.

Hey, Brooke.

Hey.

- I just want to make sure you heard

about the class ski trip.

Oh, cool.

- It's like spring break in the winter.

All-inclusive, minimal supervision.

Everybody's gonna be there.

Okay.

Maybe.

Hope you can come.

So?

Hey, I'll take one of those.

Oh, please.

Later, dude.

- The Promise and Hope Youth Center opened its doors

last June with the purpose

of providing local disadvantaged children

with a clean and welcoming environment.

- On average, how long do they stay here?

- Oh, anywhere from six weeks to six months.

The goal is to eventually place them in permanent housing.

Foster homes.

Yes.

It's not easy, but it's better than longterm group housing.

I agree.

I've always thought at-risk children do much better

in family environments than institutions.

- You worked at a youth detention facility, correct?

Before I moved here, yes.

I learned a lot.

Mostly what a challenge it can be to reach these kids.

Especially at first.

- How were you able to connect with them?

- Initially, by giving them space.

They're guarded, understandably so.

But then it's just a lot of listening.

Honestly, they just want to be heard.

I agree.

Let me show you the learning center we have.

So we've got enough computers

for everyone who's living here.

- Well, I'm impressed with what you guys are doing here.

Thanks for the opportunity today.

- Thank you so much for coming in today, Mrs. Moore.

We'll be in touch.

Great.

Let me walk you out.

You hustling for a job?

Trust me, you don't wanna work here.

Jade, please.

It's okay.

Why not?

It looks nice but it's a dump.

The food stinks and it's too damn noisy.

I get it.

Wondering if you're gonna be moved someplace new,

not knowing when or where.

Makes it hard to attach.

Sure.

- It's okay. - That's Jade.

This is Jacob,

your loan officer, returning your call.

I'm sorry, Mr. Gilbert,

you've already got a double mortgage.

There's no further equity to pull from a loan.

I recommend you continue

to try to sell the home if you need any money.

Where's my 18 grand?

I told you, I'm working on it.

- Work faster, then you can get back to your precious game.

You got 24 hours.

Whoa, no, no, no, no.

You said I got three weeks.

Yeah?

Well, I changed my mind.

Get up here.

Maybe later.

- Take a look at the board coming in.

Ladies and gentlemen, class does start

at the same time every day.

Come on, ladies and gentlemen, take your time.

Who wants to be 30 in high school?

I'm tired as you are.

Okay, everybody, notebooks away.

Yes, that's right, ladies and gentlemen,

your favorite time of year, it is quiz time.

Has anyone seen Corey Gilbert?

Figures.

Okay, everybody, let's head out.

Quiz will be rescheduled for first thing Monday morning.

Come on, ladies and gentlemen.

Yes.

Burner heaven.

Hey, what are you doing?

What are you doing?

Are you serious?

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, you don't wanna do that.

I'm sorry, just take it.

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Your phone.

Your wallet too.

Yes, okay, okay.

Come on.

Thank you, Robert.

You tell anyone about this,

you'll expect a little visit, okay?

Damn it.