A Cowgirl's Story (2017)

1
Hello, dusty.
Oh, here she is.
Hi.
Welcome to Jefferson high.
Thank you.
Let me show you around.
This way.
So homeroom starts
promptly at 7:30.
You get two 10-minute breaks
at 11 and 1:45.
And here is your locker.
And this is the combination
for the lock.
Nice boots.
Not.
It's a friendly bunch.
Just give them some time.
It's a good school.
Come on.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens?
Well, maybe you've heard
of mark twain.
I'm sure you've heard of him.
Hi, Mr. Murphy.
This is our new student, dusty.
Howdy, sir.
Um, class?
This is dusty.
Hi.
All right, why don't you take
a seat in this row right here?
Yeah.
Yeehaw!
Ride 'em, cowgirl!
Whoever said that,
try to act your age
and not your IQ.
Okay, back to
the adventures of tom Sawyer.
Sugar?
Sugar.
Here you are, sugar.
Thank you.
How about a plate?
In this cupboard right here.
And don't worry,
you'll get the hang of it.
Thank you.
And thank you for letting
me and dad stay here.
Are you kidding me?
It's a dream come true
having you stationed here
in my home base.
You want some?
Well, we're indebted
to you, dad. You know that.
Oh, will you be quiet?
We've always been there
for each other,
and we always will be.
Honey, are you gonna be
comfortable in that room?
Oh, yeah. It's perfect.
Thank you.
Now, you can decorate it
any way you want.
I've got your dad's old bug
and spider collection.
We can put it on the wall
if you like.
I'm good.
Yeah. Thank you, though.
Okay.
Okay, don't take it all.
Hey, incoming.
Hey, cowgirl!
Where's your horse?
Maybe she doesn't have a horse.
Oh, she has a horse.
Yes, sir.
That's right, sir.
My team is ready.
When you give me the word,
I can travel in one hour.
Yes, sir.
Who was that?
Lieutenant Bryant.
What'd he want?
Just for me to be ready.
Why do both of my parents
have to be in the army?
That's how we met.
No army, no dusty.
I was at an officers' dance
with my buddies,
and I looked up
this long staircase.
And there you saw the most
beautiful woman at the dance
with the most beautiful legs
this side
of the Mississippi river.
Have I told you
this story before?
Once or twice.
She was beautiful,
but I could tell
that she was also tough.
And we just have to remember
that while she's deployed
that she is one tough lady
who can take care of herself.
I know that.
But, dad, I just...
I can't stop feeling
so helpless, you know?
Like there's nothing
that I can do.
Maybe there is something
you can do.
Would you like to donate?
Support our troops?
No, thanks.
This a great idea.
Thanks so much for doing this.
Thank you.
You are going to be
our first donation of the day.
Excellent.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Would you guys like
to support our troops?
Um, what are you doing?
Raising money to buy things
for our troops overseas.
Why?
Because it means a lot
to a soldier
to receive a package...
Books, cookies,
anything to remind them
that they aren't alone.
Seems to me like
a lot of people don't even know
there's a war going on
right now.
Yeah.
My father,
he used to be a ranger.
Wait, really?
My dad, he's a ranger too.
Really?
Yeah, my mom,
she's an army helicopter pilot.
She's in Afghanistan right now.
I'm dusty Rhodes.
Dusty Rhodes?
My parents have a very
questionable sense of humor.
I like it.
I'm Savanah Stocker.
I like that too.
Thanks.
I... my friends
are waiting for me.
Yeah.
Hey.
Rangers lead the way?
All the way.
See ya.
Bye, Savanah.
We were walking
across the grass,
and it was just lying there.
So we picked it up
and we brought it in school,
and that's when you found us.
You expect me to believe
this bottle doesn't
belong to you?
This is the third time, Savanah,
and you know suspension
is the next step.
I've tried to go easy on you
because of the loss
of your father.
I-I just can't ignore
your behavior anymore.
You are so smart and so pretty,
and you're just
throwing it all away.
It's mine.
I asked Savanah
to hold it for me.
Yours?
Yes, ma'am.
Yeah. Ahem.
It's hers.
I was going to tell you.
Well, Ms. Rhodes,
I don't know
about where you come from,
but here,
it is illegal
for a minor to drink alcohol,
and it certainly
doesn't belong on campus.
I was just...
Feeling the pressure
of being new to school.
And, um...
It won't happen again.
Because you're new
and because
your mother is overseas,
I will give you
a one-time pass.
Thank you.
Why'd you do that?
Savanah, I'm...
I'm really sorry about your dad.
I don't need you or anyone else
feeling sorry for me.
Got it?
This is not my day.
You need some help?
Uh... no.
Yes.
Heh, heh.
Thank you.
You know, you didn't have to do
what you did for Savanah.
Oh, yeah, no, I don't know
what I was thinking.
I must have had a brain freeze.
I'm Trevor.
Oh, dusty.
So, uh, how are you liking
Jefferson high so far?
Well...
It is definitely better
than being eaten by cannibals.
Everything's relative, right?
I reckon so.
Well, um,
I will see you in class.
Yes, you will.
Thanks for the help.
Yeah.
Guys, this report
is a big deal, okay?
This is 20 percent
of your grade.
I don't have...
I don't know who you guys
are gonna choose yet.
Do you know
who you're gonna choose?
Do you know
who you're gonna choose?
My pen's not working.
You have two weeks left.
Here.
All right? I don't even know
what's going on here.
What about you?
Take it.
On the road by Kerouac.
There's many books you can do.
Thank you.
All right? Just choose one.
Oh, hey, dusty Rhodes,
why don't you sit with us?
Thanks.
Guys, this is dusty Rhodes.
Meryl, Cinda, Dale,
and that's Trevor.
Hello again.
Hi.
Like your costume.
I like your costume.
It's not a costume.
It's my... it's my shirt.
Mine too.
Don't mind Dale.
His mom dropped him on his head
when he was a baby.
Multiple times.
It's not funny.
Okay.
Look, we're all pretty nice
once you get to know us.
Not that that's going to happen.
Wouldn't expect it to.
Why are you here?
Savanah just invited me
to sit here.
No. Like, why are you here
at Jefferson high?
My father was reassigned.
Well, a little advice?
Please.
If you want to fit in
around here,
you might want to lose
the whole... Cowgirl thing.
Oh. Well, thank you
for that advice, Meryl,
but, you see,
I actually like the way I am.
And I definitely don't want
to fit in if fitting in
means being a sniveling,
insecure sheep, so...
Baa! Would you like
some ice with that burn?
I like him.
I guess I'll take this to go.
Thank you.
Later, cowgirl.
Trevor.
Is she saying that I'm
a sniveling, insecure sheep?
No. No, really...
Yeah, I didn't get that.
At all.
Okay.
Okay.
Spill the secret.
Is there any city Wi-Fi?
No, no, no.
Around here, we still do it
the old-fashioned way.
Our communication?
Face-to-face.
Goody.
You still worried
about your mom?
I always am.
Honey, she's gonna be okay.
God is watching over Helen.
How can you be so sure?
That god is watching over her?
I believe it in my heart.
He is.
Is there any actual proof?
Well, sometimes, dusty,
the only thing
that can lift us up,
the only thing that can see us
through those difficult times,
is the simple act
of having faith.
See, faith comes from the heart,
not just from the mind.
It's not mathematical.
It's not rational.
You just feel it.
You know it.
And the most important thing
about faith
is it's all or nothing.
You can't do faith halfway.
Mmm, I knew you were gonna
say something like that.
Well, you asked.
Let's go.
Okay.
Thanks, Gramps.
Hey.
Hey, cowgirl.
What are you gonna sign up for?
Honestly?
I'm not too excited
about any of them.
Yeah, me neither.
Equestrian drill team?
Yes, ma'am.
What exactly is that?
It's a horse riding team.
We do drills, perform at rodeos,
football games, stuff like that.
Well, I don't exactly see
a groundswell of demand
for such a group.
Do you?
Before there was Starbucks,
we didn't know
that we needed it, right?
Mrs. Preston,
as you know,
I am having a very tough time
right now.
With my mom being deployed
in a combat war zone,
I am just looking for something
to keep me occupied.
How many girls to a team?
A minimum of eight.
Well, if you can get
eight girls to sign up,
you can have your team.
Yes!
But there are
no school funds left.
So whatever the costs
for this team,
you'll have to cover
on your own.
Absolutely, of course.
That is exactly
what sponsors are for.
I promise
you will not regret this.
Hmm.
Hi. Would y'all like to sign up
for the equestrian drill team?
Um, no.
Like, giddyup.
Yippie Yi-yo ki-yay,
whatever.
Hi. Would you like to sign up
for the equestrian drill team?
No, thanks.
Do you ride?
Yeah, a little.
Well, then this would be
perfect for you.
No, thanks.
Hey.
Hey.
What's an equestrian drill team?
Oh, it's doing maneuvers
on horseback.
Well, I'd kill myself.
Why are you making that face?
Are you trying to guilt me
into joining?
No.
Yeah, you think
I owe you just 'cause
you took the blame for me
the other day.
I would never do that.
Mm.
Look, cowgirl, I do owe you,
but I'm not getting on no horse.
No way.
Don't sign up
for anything else yet, okay?
So you can at least
think about it.
Fine.
Not every girl grows up
loving horses, dusty.
Yeah, some girls like pigs.
Thank you for that.
That was fun, wasn't it?
I'm gonna be honest.
I think we ought to cut you down
on the cookies.
You're a little bit bigger.
It's the truth.
You know what I don't
understand?
Those kids.
They don't get it.
I don't think they understand
how much fun it would be.
If only they could see
you and me in action.
That's it.
You are a genius!
Yes, you are.
She's always holding
her glasses,
like just get
a pair of contacts.
Look at that.
You can't bring
a horse on campus.
This is star.
He's me promotional tool.
The basketball team
has a basketball hoop,
so we figured
why not have a horse
for the equestrian drill team?
There is no
equestrian drill team.
Sign-ups are over
in an hour, dusty.
And so far,
you're the only name
on the list.
And me.
I'd like to sign up
for the team.
I'd like to sign up too.
I mean, if it's okay
for someone like me to join.
Of course.
My dad is in the army too.
I mean, I don't know
a ton about horses,
but I could learn.
I'll do it!
Me too.
Sure, sounds fun.
We want to join the team!
Giddyup!
Well, good luck.
You're gonna need it.
We have a team!
Here, guys, come meet star.
You each have
your own horse now,
courtesy of our
first official sponsor,
Mr. Sage carver
of the carver stables.
Hello, girls.
And, gentlemen.
Here is Jason carver.
He's his son and will be
helping us out.
Howdy.
This is my horse, star.
He knows me better
than any person
in the entire the world.
Now, remember,
a horse is pure of heart,
so you gotta be the same...
No agendas, no games.
Respect your horse,
look after your horse,
and he or she
will literally die for you.
Okay, ladies,
first things first.
Let's get up beside our horses,
put your reins in your hand,
put your foot in your stirrup,
and pull yourself straight up.
Just like that.
Just put it right there.
Hold on, hold on, hold on.
There's something wrong
with my horse.
The only thing wrong
with that horse is you.
Big pull. You ready?
One, two, three, pull!
Come on.
You got it.
Oh, big pull.
I'm good.
All right.
Looking good, Savanah.
Thanks, miss dusty.
So are we even now, cowgirl?
Oh, I reckon so.
But let's be real...
Do friends really need
to keep track?
I reckon not.
Heh-heh-heh.
I think I'm gonna have
a sore butt tomorrow.
Oh, you are most definitely
going to have
a sore butt tomorrow.
Yay.
This is why you're
the pooper scooper
and I'm the rider.
Are these
for that throwing game?
It's a shoe for the horse.
Horses wear shoes?
They do.
Baa!
Dusty, I know you did this.
You better watch your back,
because one good prank
deserves another.
Okay, okay.
I've been warned.
Nicely played, Dale.
Baa!
So, I did some research,
and I think that this place
might want to sponsor us.
I'm not going in there.
Why not?
I'm not.
Savanah, you're going.
It's good for the team, okay?
Hello, Savanah.
Hi, Mr. Janson.
You two know each other?
Yeah, Mr. Janson and my father
used to be business partners.
Oh.
Uh, well, I am dusty.
Mr. Janson.
Pleasure to meet you.
How's your mom, Savanah?
She's... she's really well.
Ahem.
Has a job, high-paying.
Give her my best, will you?
I will.
So, what can I do
for you girls today?
Uh, Savanah and I have started
our very own equestrian
drill team at a high school,
and we're looking for a sponsor
who will help pay
for the feed for our horses.
What does something
like that cost?
Not as much
as you'd think, actually.
Plus, it can be
a tax write-off for you.
And we would happy to help
promote your store
in any way that...
Any way that we can.
A thousand dollars!
That was too easy.
We are not cashing that check.
Why not?
He gave you that check
out of guilt
because of what he's done
to my family.
What has he done to your family?
He stole from us.
How?
After my dad died,
we couldn't find
an old baseball card he owned.
I know he left it
with Mr. Janson,
but he denies he ever had it.
A baseball card?
It's valuable.
Come on.
A 1914 babe Ruth.
Look, I don't... I don't know
what you want me to say.
We really need this money, okay?
It's gonna make
all the difference to the team.
You do what you have to do.
I have my own ways
of getting even.
What does that mean?
You need to give that back
right now.
No way! He owes my mom and I
a hundred laptops.
I don't care
if he owes you 500 laptops.
That is wrong.
You're no fun, dusty.
Has anyone ever told you that?
They have now.
You can't beat the Apache.
It's the weapon of choice,
in my opinion.
Oh, my god.
Dude, I fully agree
with you on that.
That's insane.
That's what I mean.
You don't see anything
like it out there.
Do you guys have
anything better to do?
Nothing better
than watching the enemy die.
Oh, dude, look.
Dude, look.
What's wrong?
Oh, nothing.
I, um... I'm fine.
Really?
I was in the cafeteria,
and these guys
were watching war footage
like it was some sort
of video game.
It just freaked me out,
that's all.
Do you want to go
on a hike this afternoon?
Yeah.
Uh, wait, but Savanah...
She won't mind?
Oh, no, she's taking
her mom to the doctor.
Great.
Come on.
It's beautiful.
This is where my brothers
and I would come
when we needed to escape.
Why did you need to escape?
Uh, well, before my parents
got a divorce,
they had some...
Pretty good fights.
It was either stay
and play referee,
which never worked,
or run for the hills.
Literally.
I'm sorry.
I didn't get much sleep
last night.
Why not?
I keep having this dream.
What about?
Nothing, it's stupid.
You know that you could
tell me if you wanted to.
Um...
I dream about my mom.
She's flying her helicopter,
and I'm on the ground
waiting for her to pick me up.
She lowers the rope,
and it swings all around me,
but I can't catch it.
She yells, "grab the rope,
dusty, grab the rope!"
But I can't.
All this time,
the wind from the rotors
are blowing me over,
and I can barely stand up.
Finally, she has to leave
because the enemy's closing in.
I watch as she flies
higher and higher
until she disappears.
The soldiers start
to close in on me,
and before they can
reach me, I wake up.
Told you it was stupid.
No.
Is Savanah okay
that we hang out?
Yeah.
Why wouldn't it be?
Uh, because
she's your girlfriend?
Yeah, uh, people think
that we're a couple
because we're together
all the time,
but I've just known her
for, like, ever.
We're actually related.
Oh.
Yeah, third cousins.
Of course.
That is good to know.
Yeah.
What are you doing?
No.
I told my dad
we wouldn't be welcome here.
That...
That is not true, okay?
Look, whoever did this
is narrow-minded
and stupid, and...
And I think I might know
who did it.
It blew up the entire compound.
It's insane.
No, it was so...
I've never seen anything like it.
Ha, ha! Hey.
So some jerk spray-painted
the side of my friend's car.
Oh.
Yeah.
That sucks.
So?
Oh.
Go spread your hatred
somewhere else.
Are you just
gonna let her take it?
It was empty anyways.
No, it wasn't.
Yes... yes... yes, it was.
Hey, Trevor.
Hi.
Have you seen Savanah?
No, she didn't come
to school today.
We should go see her.
She doesn't really
like visitors.
Do I care?
Come on.
We should call Jason.
Hey.
You didn't come to school today.
Uh, just dealing with things.
Is everything okay?
Savanah, who is it?
Just some friends from school.
- Well, bring 'em in!
- I want to meet 'em!
They don't want to come in.
Bring them in!
What's with all the boxes?
We're moving.
You know, Savanah never
brings her friends around
'cause she's embarrassed by me.
That's not true, mom.
This is dusty and Jason.
Hi.
Howdy, ma'am.
"Howdy, ma'am"?
Oh, you must be the ones
who put Savanah up
to this horse nonsense.
Yeah, well, Savanah needs a job,
not some horse club.
She's really good on a horse.
And, uh...
Maybe you could come
and watch her sometime.
That's never gonna happen.
She really likes it.
Just at my family ranch.
Oh. How much does it pay?
It doesn't pay, but it's fun.
Uh, I'm sure they will also...
Oh, you're going to college.
I didn't realize you could get
into college with your grades.
I don't know how you Ace
every test.
You know I'm actually related
to Albert Einstein?
OMG, really?
Uh, no.
Hey!
Hey, dusty.
Hey!
Hey.
Where are you going?
Where do you think, Einstein?
You saw me talking to that girl.
You seem totally into her.
I'm not totally into her.
If you want to know,
she asked me to the dance.
How nice for you.
Dusty, dusty.
Yeah.
I said no.
Oh.
That I wanted to go
with somebody else.
If you're talking about me...
I am.
Okay, well,
I don't do dances, so.
Dusty...
Will you go
to the dance with me?
I'll have to think about it.
Okay.
Why are you so happy?
Well, if you must know,
Trevor asked me
to the dance next weekend.
Wait, are you okay with that?
I don't care.
It makes me happy
you guys are going.
Me too.
Are you going?
No one's asked me.
Anyway, I don't really
have the money.
Hey, Jason.
Yeah.
Savanah needs someone to take
her to the dance next weekend.
Dusty!
What?
I'll take Savanah to the dance.
I mean, if you need
someone to go with.
She does.
And she'll go.
Yep, it is a done deal.
Next.
I didn't put her up
to this, Jason.
You don't have to take me.
No, i... I want to.
Okay.
Okay.
M'Kay!
All right, uh, yeah, bye.
Bye.
I am like your fairy godmother.
No one asked you to be.
I don't know how I'm going
to pay for a dress.
Don't worry.
We are going to find you
the perfect dress.
Oh...
It's mom.
Hello?
Hi, mom.
Hi, sweetie.
Man, it's so good to see you.
I miss you so much.
I miss you too.
How is everything?
Kind of crazy, actually.
My drill team's having
its first performance
this weekend down in Dalton,
and then, later that night,
I am going to
the Sadie Hawkins dance.
You are going to a dance?
Gosh, that kid
must be one special boy.
He is just a friend.
Well, I know you're gonna
be a huge hit
at the rodeo and the dance.
I wish you could be here.
I wish I could too, baby.
But I'm there with you
in spirit.
Uh, hey, here, talk to dad.
How's my girl?
Everything okay?
Oh, yeah.
You know you don't have
to worry about me.
I can't help it.
What are you doing?
You know, just the usual,
shuttling...
Helen?
Mom?
Helen?
Mama?
She sounded good.
She did.
Welcome, girls.
Hi, we are the rangers
and we're performing today.
Oh, welcome.
It's so nice to have a team here
from Jefferson high school.
Oh, here's a form
you might want to fill out.
Yeah.
I'll do it.
Savanah?
It's Mrs. Harkins.
From the Johnson county
juvenile center.
Don't you remember?
We used to talk all the time
about your future.
Yeah, I-i remember.
But I didn't know you ride.
I didn't know I did either
until a month ago
when this crazy girl
made me do it.
Well, I'm proud of you.
You talked all the time
about the great things
you were gonna do with
your future when you got out.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Hey.
I should've told you
I was in that place.
What were you in for?
Wait, no, let me guess.
Um, could it have been
for stealing?
Look...
I made some mistakes,
but I've paid
for those mistakes.
What did you do?
I broke into
Mr. Janson's house.
Twice.
Anything... anything else
I should know?
Just...
I really treasure you
as a friend, dusty.
And I'm trying to get
my life together.
But when you lose a parent...
You lose yourself and...
It's like you shatter
into a million pieces
and they get scattered
in the wind.
I don't know how to feel normal.
I am trying, though.
Every day I try.
I'm sorry.
Let's go ride, okay?
Okay.
All right, you girls,
are you ready?
Yeah.
I can't hear you!
Yeah!
Are you ready?
Yeah!
Whoo!
Rangers lead the way!
All the way!
Come on!
Hey! To the rangers!
Long may they ride!
I am so proud of you guys.
That was a great performance.
It was!
Is there a cowgirl here
named dusty?
There she is.
No.
Well, dusty, do you know
a little dance
called the cowgirl stomp?
I'm afraid that I do not.
She started an equestrian
drill team,
but she can't do
the cowgirl stomp!
Well, you know what this means?
I don't.
Follow me.
Oh, no, I'm good.
Come on, come on.
Really, I don't dance.
Go! Go!
I don't dance!
I don't dance!
Was this you?
I got you, cowgirl!
All right,
the cowgirl stomp is easy!
Oh, no.
It goes like this.
Two steps to the left.
Okay.
Two steps to the right.
Yeah.
A shimmy and a kick.
Okay.
And a Kung-fu fight.
Now clap your hands
with a whomp-whomp-whomp.
Put her in the barn
with a stomp-stomp-stomp.
You got that, dusty?
I think so.
You guys wanna try it?
Yeah!
Okay.
Two steps to the left.
Two steps to the right.
A shimmy and a kick
and a Kung-fu fight.
Clap your hands
with a whomp-whomp-whomp.
Put 'em in the barn
with a stomp-stomp-stomp.
Heck, you're a lot smarter
than you look.
Mwah! Well, thank you.
Let's go!
Listen up, everybody.
We're gonna do a little thing
called the cowgirl stomp.
It goes like this.
Whoo!
Come on, y'all.
Whoo!
Whoo!
The cowboy stomp.
Girl. It's actually
the cowgirl stomp.
Oh. My bad.
Why does it get so cold here?
Here.
Really?
Yeah, take it.
Thanks.
You know, i...
I keep waiting for you
to turn into a psychopath.
But I'm serious.
If we're going to be
hanging out with each other,
there should be
no secrets between us.
Okay.
Cats or dogs?
It's a real question.
Yeah, um...
Dogs.
Okay.
No, come on, if you get
to ask me something,
I should be able to ask you
something, all right?
If you want.
Okay, let's think.
Um...
Zombies or vampires?
Zombies.
Summer or winter?
Winter.
Uh...
Day or night?
Night.
Favorite superhero power?
Flying.
Although being invisible
would be pretty sick too.
Mine's flying too.
Uh...
It's my dad.
Let me get this.
Yeah, go ahead.
Hi, dad.
What? Now?
Yeah, no, no, we're...
We're coming home.
Why tonight?
We've talked about this
a million times.
I know that, I just don't get
why both of my parents
have to go.
I have to do my duty,
which is to fight
for our country.
And you have to do your duty,
which is to be brave
and go to school
and take care of things
here at home.
Can you do that
for your mother and me?
Yes.
Hooah!
Plane takes off in 45 minutes.
Dad...
Grandpa'll take
good care of you.
Guys, can you gather round here
just one more minute?
One more minute.
Father, your word says
you'll never leave
or forsake us.
And we're claiming
your word tonight
because we love
and trust in you.
Please watch over
Randall and Mike
when they're in harm's way
and deliver them back
to us safely.
We pray and believe for this
in the name
of our lord and savior.
Amen.
I love you, dusty.
I'll be home before you know it.
Dad.
Be safe, okay?
Take care of my girl, dad.
Hey!
So this is it.
I know.
It's a dump.
Why do you even have to move?
Because we were evicted
out of our house.
Couldn't make the payments.
Wait, isn't the government
supposed to help
when a soldier dies?
I mean, we got some money,
but it ran out a long time ago.
Middle class to white trash
in three years.
That's not true.
Okay...
So this is my room.
Huh.
I think I'm gonna cry.
No, no, no, it is not that bad.
Really.
I mean, look.
We put a throw rug right here
and we paint the walls,
and you've got
a pretty cozy room.
You guys will really
help me paint?
Of course we will.
If we can paint a horse,
we can paint a room.
I don't know what I'd do
without you guys.
Well, it's a good thing
you'll never have to find out.
Thank you so much
for all of your support
towards the team.
We really do appreciate it.
My pleasure.
It's a tax write-off.
Um... just one more thing.
And I hope you don't
mind me asking,
but there seems to be
a misunderstanding
between Savanah
and her mom and you.
Really?
What kind of misunderstanding?
Savanah believes that you have
withheld something from them
after the death of her father,
lieutenant Stocker.
She's wrong.
This war...
Has hit a lot of families
very hard, Mr. Janson.
But it has hit the Stockers
especially cruelly.
I thought her mother
had some high-paying job.
Her mother has no money.
She has no job.
They were just kicked
out of their home
that's been in their family
for 80 years.
When Savanah's father died,
he owed me money,
money I couldn't recover.
So, what, then you just
kept the baseball card?
No.
Of course not.
Look...
I feel bad
about their situation.
I really do.
But there's nothing I can do.
Well, then you have...
A good day, Mr. Janson.
I will.
Are you really eating a moonpie?
Do you have a problem with that?
No.
But you eat redneck food.
I do not eat redneck food!
Oh, okay.
What... what else
you got in there?
I bet you anything
it's redneck food.
Pork rinds.
You are such a hick!
No.
Hey, Jason!
You like moonpies,
now, don't you?
Yeah. You know,
they're pretty good deep-fried.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
- Deep fried?
- Yeah.
You both are total Hicks.
Deep-fried country Hicks.
You know, that is actually
a really good name for a band.
"Dusty and the deep-fried
country Hicks."
You know, I never thought
I'd be hanging out
with two real-life Hicks.
Well, it is your lucky day.
- Here, try a pork rind.
- No, you don't.
No, you have to try one.
Trevor, try it!
Hey.
Hey.
There's blood on star's nose.
What?
What's wrong with you, baby?
Oh, my gosh.
Should we call the vet?
Yes, yeah. Um, wait,
will you just call one?
Yeah.
What happened?
Hey, I need to talk to you.
What's going on with you
and that girl?
Her name's Savanah.
Look, I know you like her,
but do you know who she is,
where she's been,
what's in her past?
Yes, I do, dad.
She's a really good person.
All right, have you taken
a good, strong look
at her mother?
She is a mess.
Apple doesn't fall
very far from the tree.
Now, look, I don't want
to talk about her.
I'm worried about you.
I'm 18.
I have responsibilities, dad.
I understand that.
I just wish you'd think
about it and take your time.
It's like you're just
falling over her.
You know, I gotta say,
I'm glad we got coffee
this trip.
Hey.
I just wanted you
to know that I arrived.
I miss you already.
They're keeping us real busy,
so you may not hear
from me for a while.
Dad, make sure dusty
feeds the goldfish.
We don't want 'em to end up
like the hamster.
And remember,
they can't be in tap water.
Has to be the special stuff
next to the washer.
Okay, I gotta go.
I love you both a lot.
Bye.
Sounds good.
I guess so.
Let's go feed the goldfish.
Love you, too, dad.
It sounds like
he twisted his gut.
What?
And seems like there might be
a bacterial infection.
Let's put him on a heavy
regimen of antibiotics
and see if that helps.
Okay, but... I mean,
he's gonna be okay, right?
Yeah, most likely.
We'll know more
in 24 to 48 hours.
Baby.
Please get better.
The eastern border
with Pakistan...
Thanks.
I'll go save us a table.
Yesterday, us army rangers
began engaging the Taliban...
Wanna watch, cowgirl?
I think I'll pass.
Suit yourself.
Also known
as the valley of death.
Backed by Apache helicopters,
the rangers are meeting
fierce resistance,
and early reports indicate
they are taking heavy...
Go home! Go home! Go home!
Go home! Go home!
Hey!
Leave her alone!
Her father is fighting
Afghanistan right now!
And she is more American
than you'll ever be!
Hey, Calhoun's dad
was killed in 9/11.
So? My hamster
died last week,
and I don't go around
acting like a jerk!
Look...
Don't listen to them, okay?
They're just bullies.
So, I only have two of you
who've given me the books
that you're gonna do
on your book report.
Everybody needs to choose
a book.
It's not that hard.
I can help you.
Come see me after class.
But this is a big deal, guys.
This is 20 percent
of your grade,
so those of you
who aren't doing so well,
you can use this
to boost your grade.
And if you're already
doing well, well, then,
it should just only reinforce
what you're doing, okay?
He's selling the card.
How do you know it's him?
Because there's only three
of that card in existence.
One's in the baseball
hall of fame,
the other's owned
by some family in Europe,
and the third
is in the United States.
The auction is in one week
and the starting bid is...
Six hundred?
Thousand.
Oh.
Yeah, we need to go.
How do you know it's in there?
He still uses the same safe
that he and my dad used.
I saw it when we were in there.
And I know the combination.
Don't even think about it.
Come on, Savanah,
you know what would happen
if you were caught
breaking in in there.
I don't care!
My father left that card for us,
to take care of us if he died.
And you know what?
He did die.
I sense him, dusty.
Every day I feel his presence,
and I can tell that he's sad
because his wishes
weren't honored
and because my mom
and I are struggling.
You would do it
if you were in my shoes.
You know you would.
Are you asking me
to break in there with you?
Savanah, if we get caught,
you're definitely
going back to prison,
probably Alcatraz.
Alcatraz is no longer a prison.
It's a national park.
That doesn't matter.
It's still wrong.
Are you gonna help me or not?
If I help you...
It will just be
a fact-finding mission.
Okay?
Of course.
You cannot take anything.
I won't touch a thing.
And if the card is in that safe,
you're going to keep it there
and we are going to call
the cops, okay?
Thank you, dusty.
I see your smile.
Okay, let's go.
You're a lot of work.
You love me.
I reckon
this'll make us even now.
But who's keeping track
anyway, right?
This is crazy.
We shouldn't do this, Savanah.
It's fine, okay?
What do you mean, it's fine?
It's... it's fine.
What are you doing?
What? I'm lifting...
I'm both impressed and extremely
disappointed in you right now.
- Help me.
- Yeah.
Go.
Here, you go first.
It's fine.
I don't know where...
Be careful.
I'm sorry.
I'm not a professional
breaker-inner like you.
It's "burglar."
What? Same thing.
No, it's not.
Where are we supposed to go?
Shh!
What?
I told you.
Is that it?
It worked.
Is that it?
Oh, my god.
You weren't kidding.
Hello, Mr. Ruth.
What is that?
I don't know.
Dusty.
What?
What does it say?
"Pete...
Will you hold onto
my babe Ruth Ba...
Babe Ruth baseball card
while I'm overseas?
In the event
that I'm killed in action,
please make sure Cheryl
and Savanah get this.
Your friend and partner,
John Stocker."
Dad.
He left it for us.
He loved you both so much.
Yeah, he did.
You were right.
Okay, we gotta go.
We gotta go.
Hey, put it back.
Put it back, Savanah.
No. No, this is mine.
This is mine, dusty.
You have to put it back, okay?
You promised me.
Put it back.
Please.
Hello, officers.
I am so sorry.
This is not...
Not what it looks like.
It's exactly what it looks like.
Got a b&e,
breaking and entering.
Come with me right now, ladies.
Of course.
I didn't know "b&e"
stood for
"breaking and entering."
I'm telling you,
the man who owns the business
stole a baseball card
from my family,
and we were just
verifying he had it.
Really?
A baseball card.
Yes, she's telling the truth.
It's a rare card,
and it's worth a lot of money.
A 1914 babe Ruth.
Don't worry about it, ladies.
The judge will handle it.
Go ahead and have a seat.
Here?
Right here.
Really?
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Call him back.
See if they're available.
Oh, hello, officers.
I'm a military chaplain.
That's my granddaughter there.
I don't know what she's here for
or what you think happened,
but I hope you can have
some compassion
for what we're doing here.
She's a good girl.
Go get miss Rhodes, please.
Dusty Rhodes?
Just me?
Okay?
Gramps.
Dusty, sweetheart...
Your mom's helicopter went down.
It... it went...
It went down?
Yes.
Like, it crashed?
Yes.
Is... is she alive?
They think so, okay?
There are search teams
looking for her now.
All things considered,
you guys can go home now.
Thank you.
Let's go home and pray.
Wait.
Savanah.
No, Savanah can't go.
You know she has a prior record.
She...
No.
No, go.
Just go.
I'm not leaving
without you, okay?
I'm okay, just go.
No, you're not. Come.
I can't leave without her.
The property owner said
that nothing is missing.
You can both go,
but we will follow up
on the breaking and entering,
so don't leave town.
Thank you.
Let's go, girls.
Hey, Jason, wait up.
What's wrong?
Why haven't you returned
any of my texts?
Nothing's wrong.
I've been busy, okay?
Was I just imagining that there
was something between us?
No, you weren't
just imagining it.
Okay, fine.
Then what happened?
Savanah...
You're so beautiful
and worldly and everything.
Just...
After the party,
I thought that you wouldn't
want to have anything to do
with a deep-fried
country hick like me.
You... you've been ignoring me
'cause I called you a hick?
I was kidding.
My family...
They want me to start
running the family business,
and I'm probably gonna be
in college next year.
And where would that
leave us, huh?
Your father doesn't want you
to see me, does he?
Because I was in juvie.
Because I'm poor.
Savanah, that's...
That's not it...
Is that all it took
for you to walk away?
I would have fought for you.
Because I felt something
I've never felt before.
You're right, though.
We are different.
And not because I'm city
and you're country.
We're different
because I'm not afraid
to fight for what I want.
You should try that sometime.
Why is that happening?
Shh, it's okay.
It's gonna
make you better, star.
It's gonna make you better.
It's okay.
You're the best horse ever.
My best friend.
I love you so much.
I love you.
Star was a great horse.
He always whinnied
when he saw me,
and that's how he showed me
that he loved me
just like I loved him.
I don't know why
one horse dies and...
Another one doesn't.
And I don't know
why one soldier dies
and the other one doesn't.
Life can be so beautiful
at one moment
and... So heartbreaking
the next.
I want to trust
that god has a plan,
but it is moments
like these that...
I'm just not so sure.
Thank you,
Jason and Mr. carver,
for letting star rest
in this beautiful spot.
We're gonna go.
Dusty, dusty,
can I tell you something?
Please.
God loves horses.
He created them.
And the Bible says
when Jesus comes again,
he's gonna be riding
on a big white horse.
And I think we're gonna
see star again.
I hope so.
Sweetheart? You okay?
No.
I know.
Any news?
Well, they have widened
the search area.
That's all Mike could tell me.
She could be gone.
I know this is the hardest thing
you've ever gone through...
We've ever gone through.
It is.
And I just keep on wondering...
Where is god?
You know...
Where is god when we...
When we really need him?
Honey, I don't have
all the answers.
I do know...
He has a plan for all of us,
but I don't know
what that plan is.
That's why we have to have
faith in his wisdom.
This is not
my first rodeo with god.
Don't give up on him, dusty.
Don't give up on him,
and I promise
he won't give up on you.
Whatever his will is,
we will carry on.
We will live our lives.
We'll... we'll be okay.
By god's grace, we will be okay.
Hey.
Hey.
Sorry about your horse.
Thanks.
What are you doing here?
I'm just hanging.
I...
I feel...
Peaceful when I sit in here.
I'm surprised the walls
are still standing.
Yeah, I know.
My whole life I've been so...
Angry about my father.
I... I was sure there...
There couldn't be a god,
because how could...
How could a god
let that happen to my dad?
I mean, he didn't...
He didn't even work
in those towers.
He just... he just happened
to be there.
I mean, it's totally random.
Could have happened to anyone.
After you gave me
that beat-down...
I ended up in here,
in this church.
And for some reason...
Heh, heh.
I... I actually prayed.
And i...
And I felt better.
I felt lighter,
like... like...
Like maybe I wasn't alone.
You know, maybe...
Maybe I didn't have
to go through life alone.
You know, it...
For the first time, i...
I was willing to consider
the possibility that...
maybe there is a god.
I'm really...
Sorry about your dad.
I'm sorry about your mom.
And your hamster.
I can't believe I said that.
You did, but it's okay.
I forgive you.
Do you...
Do you want to pray together?
I'm sorry, but I don't...
I don't really do that.
But...
I feel like there's a reason
you walked in here today.
Don't you?
I could try.
Hey.
You're back.
Uh... Not exactly.
I just, um...
came to get this.
Well, that new stallion came in,
if you want to meet him.
No, thank you.
How's Savanah?
I don't know.
Maybe you should ask her.
Dusty... come on, now.
She really liked you,
Jason, a lot.
But you messed it up.
What?
Oh, no, I've...
I've heard about you.
Jason just told me
all about you.
I know that you think
you're cute.
You are,
but I'm not interested, okay?
So you can go do your cute
little thing for someone else.
I said, someone else.
I'm not... I'm not looking
for another horse, okay?
I know that you think
that you're the only horse
in the world, but you're not.
Gosh.
Wish me luck.
Everyone's been trying
to get ahold of you.
I'm right here.
Look, Trevor, I am so sorry
that I shut you out.
You mean so much to me...
Dusty, your father's
been wounded.
How bad?
The sergeant I talked to
doesn't know.
But it happened a few days ago.
Where is he?
There's a lot of confusion
right now,
and it sounds crazy,
but he might already
be at the Va.
Here?
Yeah.
Can you take me?
Yeah, yeah.
Ahem, hi, um,
is lieutenant Randall Rhodes
a patient here?
I'm his daughter.
Dusty?
Daddy!
Daddy, you're okay.
I'm okay, sweetheart.
Oh, my gosh.
You came home.
I told you I would.
It's okay, I'm here.
The latest report
is that her helicopter went down
on the Afghani/Pakistan border.
There are search teams
and drones
searching every square mile
of that area.
Thank you, Mike.
Daddy, these are my friends.
Thanks for looking after dusty
while I was gone.
She's a lot of work,
that's for sure.
Hey.
Tell me about it.
Can you imagine 17 years?
- Nope, I can't.
- Hey!
Don't encourage her.
You know,
someone told me you all
were riding
in a rodeo this weekend.
Yeah, dad, uh, we were going to,
but we told them
to find somebody else.
Well, that's too bad.
I could've used a night out.
You would have been up
for something like that?
Yeah.
I think I can handle it.
Dusty, um, I'll bet
they haven't found
a team to replace you.
I bet not.
So what do you guys say?
Should we do something special
for my mom?
I think it's meant to be.
Go, rangers!
Go, rangers!
Yahoo!
Yeah.
Hey, dusty.
Calhoun.
She's right over there.
Thank you.
Um, welcome home, sir.
Thank you.
What's that all about?
That...
Is kind of a miracle...
right before our eyes.
What are you doing here?
I convinced her to come.
Took a lot of convincing.
Basically, she's more
stubborn than a mule.
Yeah, well, this cowboy here
is pretty persuasive
'cause he convinced me
to get up off my butt and...
come out and support
my daughter.
So here I am.
I'm really glad you're here.
Come meet my horse.
Okay.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Hello, chaplain.
Hi, Pete.
I appreciated
our talk yesterday.
Now, you just do whatever
you feel in your heart, okay?
Yes, sir.
Let's go.
All right, you got
some big hooves to fill.
You see,
star was a special horse,
but I think there's something
special about you too.
So let's go out there,
and let's give them
one heck of a show tonight.
For my mom, okay?
Hey.
Hey.
Uh...
Everything's been
so crazy lately,
I haven't really had
a chance to talk to you.
But I just wanted to tell you...
good luck.
Thank you.
One more thing.
Yeah?
One more thing.
So i...
I'll see you later.
Good luck.
Thanks.
What are you looking at?
Mom, someone's coming.
Cheryl, Savanah...
I hope that someday
you can forgive me
for not...
Not giving this to you sooner.
John asked me
to give that to you
in the event of his death.
But then I didn't.
I don't know why,
or how I could've done
something so terrible.
But you didn't deserve
to lose a husband and a father
and then be cheated
out of something
he intentionally meant
for you to have.
Thank you.
Good man, Pete.
I-I am a much better man
than my actions have shown.
I am, and I won't blame you
if you need to press charges
against me.
Just know I'll cooperate fully.
We won't be pressing charges,
Mr. Janson.
But I will be keeping
that laptop I took from you.
Good.
I'm sure you can
use it in school.
Thanks.
Have a good performance.
It's a great day.
It truly is.
Thank you.
Don't thank me.
I just saw Mr. Janson.
What was that about?
Dusty.
What?
He gave the card back.
He did?
He did.
He did?
He did.
Savanah, that...
I am so happy for you.
Thank you.
You know...
A hundred times
I've sensed my father.
And now the feeling
is stronger than it's ever been.
He's here...
Watching us right now.
I can feel him too.
And I can tell that he's...
He's finally at peace.
And somehow,
I feel at peace too.
Like...
Maybe everything
is gonna be okay.
Everything is going to be okay.
Come on.
All right, girls, this is it!
I could not be more proud
of you guys.
Thank you, dusty.
Thanks, dusty!
Love you, dusty!
Love you.
Love you, cowgirl.
All right.
Rangers lead the way?
All the way!
Let's go!
Whoo!
Ladies and gentlemen,
there they are,
riding for Jefferson high
and the United States army,
the rangers!
Welcome, everyone.
Today we are honoring
the soldiers
who are fighting
to protect our country
and all of the men and women
who have fought
and given so much.
Some of the brave soldiers
are here with us tonight,
including my father,
first lieutenant Randall Rhodes.
My dad was seriously injured
in Afghanistan,
but he never lost his faith.
You know, someone once told me
that you can't do faith halfway.
And now, more than ever...
I know that that is true.
Thank you for serving
this country, dad.
And thank you for being
the best father
a girl could ever hope for.
As some of you may know,
my mother,
lieutenant Helen Rhodes,
is currently missing
in Afghanistan.
Please bow your heads
as chaplain Rhodes
recites a prayer for her
and all of the brave men
and women serving
to keep our country safe.
Grandpa?
Father, I offer these words...
They're your words
from the Bible...
As a special prayer
for every man and woman
in the American military
now and always.
The lord...
Is my Shepherd.
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures.
He leadeth me
beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul.
He leadeth me
in paths of righteousness
for his namesake.
Yea, though I walk
through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil
for thou art with me.
Thy rod, thy staff,
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
Thou annointest my head
with oil.
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell
in the house of the lord...
Forever.
Amen.
Really?
Okay, all right.
I've got this.
Thank you, chaplain Rhodes,
and thank you, dusty.
And how about it
for our ranger cowgirls?
Sometimes it seems that
when the day is the darkest,
when it appears
that there is no hope,
a shaft of light
breaks through the clouds
and touches us and reminds us
of god's grace.
Dusty, Randall,
I know you've been
worried sick about Helen.
Well, hang on to your hats,
because miracles do happen.
She's being driven up right now.
Mom? Mom!