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Run the Race (2018)
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[crowd cheering] [cheering continues] [coughing, grunts] Hey, I've been looking for you. Yeah. Uh... Been trying to steer clear of Coach. Are you sick? Are you nervous? You think he's here? Dad doesn't... I don't care about Dad. I'm talking about the Florida scout. Why would there be a Florida scout here? 'Cause that Jenkins kid from the other team, his dad's a Gator scout. If he's here, this could be my only chance to be seen. Dave, this is... this is it. You're going to be the best player out there and you know it. It doesn't matter if there's no one there to watch it. [exhales] [man] Yeah! [shouting, clamoring] [clapping] All right, boys. Keep that front line, baby. Come on, now, is this a team or what? Come on. You ready to break this thing down? We got the beat! [boys] Yeah! It's in our feet! Yeah! It's in our hair! Yeah! It's everywhere! Yeah! They want it! Yeah! But we got it! Yeah! They couldn't beat it! Yeah! Unless they treat it! Yeah! I must confess! Yeah! That we're the best! Yeah! The mighty Rebels! Yeah! The mighty Rebels! Yeah! The mighty Rebels! Yeah! Come on, Truett, break this thing down for me! Yes, sir, Coach! Come on. It's on! It's on! [shouting] Come on, now! Come on, now! Come on, now! Come on, now! Come on, now! Come on, now! Let's go. Hey, hey, hey. Truett. I know you didn't forget how to break this team down. Goose call on three! One, two, three! Hoo! One, two, three! Hoo! One, two, three! Hoo! One, two, three! Hoo! One, two, three! Hoo! [cheering] [man] You can't stop me! Can't stop, won't stop Where the brakes at? I give 'em that diddy pop Like take that, take that Take that, take that Get used to it! That's right. I'm-a do that ASAP Throw my faith in rap All break. [all] Break! He's right there! Everything you put in my ear I'll be living like woulda Shoulda, coulda I'll be paralyzed by fear Huh, ain't that the truth I quit the only way I lose I got two choices When I do this Make moves or make excuses Huh, if you know Who I'm talkin' 'bout Then you got me My biggest enemy is me Shake it! Come on, baby! [shouting] Yeah! [crowd cheering] We did it! How many touchdowns you gonna give me tonight, Truett? As many as they let me. [crowd cheering] Come on, Truett! Yeah, man! Go, go, go, go! I said if I cannot stop me Then you'll never stop me He's going home! Yeah! You can't stop me [cheering continues] Good game, good game, good game. Whoo! Hey, Coach. Coach! Coach! Did you see that Florida coach out there? No, I didn't see one. Really? I mean, he was wearing a Gators hat. You sure you didn't see him? Look, you want to get noticed, you take this team to State. All right. Every D1 scout will be at the playoffs. That's how you get seen. Yes, sir. Great game tonight, Truett. [exhales] You're the first person I've seen to score four touchdowns... Five touchdowns, man. Five touchdowns, and still look like someone ran over your dog. Dave, that scout was here, and he left without saying a word. It was probably 'cause of that fumble. We still won, right? [sighs] [vehicle approaching] [vehicle door closes] [tapping] Hey, hey, hey. Go home. Zach, Zach. Hey. I wanna talk to you and your brother about something. Will you let me in? You don't live here anymore. You need to go. You let me in. Get off my porch. Let me in. Zach, you know that it's my porch. It's not your porch. You don't live here anymore, you drunk! Let me in. Stop. I'm gonna give you three seconds to open up this door. One... Two... You don't think I will? Get off my porch. [chuckles] It's good seeing you, son. [engine starts] [man on TV] Where are all these folks going in such a hurry? [man 2] Well, the ones using this road are going to Los Angeles. That is more automobiles than I've ever seen in all my born days. Going so fast. Sure is good they's going the same way. [laugh track] [man] Yes, ma'am. 'Cause if one of them rascals decides to turn around and head back, there's gonna be an awful mess. [laugh track] [train horn blowing] [clattering] [groans] What are you doing out here? Jesus. - Couldn't sleep. - The bat? You never know when a scout for the Yankees might pop by. What? There are coyotes, man. I was trying to save you from getting eaten. - Shouldn't you be going? - Why? You want to come with me? I want to sleep, which'll be a lot easier when you're not here trying to talk to me. All right, I'll see you later. Okay. Good-bye, good-bye [engine starts] All right, muscles. Look at him. Hit that bench. You've been benching. Dave. Wonderful seeing you. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Listen, I want you to tell your brother that I said hey. I'm trying to get him back down here so you can tell him yourself. We're all works in progress. Zach's a work in progress. He sure is. Thank you, Pastor. Have a nice day. Yes, sir. [sighs] You're doing good work with those boys. Thank you. Yeah. Two steps forward, one step back. As long as we keep moving. Keep moving. Spend your life trying To make all your money [no audible dialogue] Your accounts are full But all you've found Is that you're empty Ain't it funny how The simple things in life Are the only things That really matter Your life is complicated Found your dreams Are overrated Now you're old And wanna go back But you can't Ha! We're rich But we don't got money - With a running form like you have... - Yeah. Perfect. ...I was trying to figure out, like, what sport suits you the best, you know? [Dave] And, uh, what conclusion did you come to? Did you find anything you thought would work particularly well? Yeah, like, women's cricket. Let it go! [whistle blows] All right, fellas. Good game. See you. Truett. Truett! Yes, Coach? I need to talk to you. Yes, sir. Now look. I know you said how important it is for you to get a scholarship, and you have absolutely worked your tail off this year. I'm proud of you. All right, Simms. Mr. Polack. Coach. Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. But what did I tell you is the best way to get seen by these coaches and scouts? Um, take the team to State? Don't you forget it. Yes, sir. This came for you in the mail today. Congrats. You're on somebody's radar, son. What? [laughing] [laughing] [Zach] Bring any marshmallows? [Dave] We're out. [Dave] We gonna talk about this, or what? What? Your letter. [laughing] What about it? I'm just really proud of you. Thanks, man. I mean, it's not a big deal. It's just a letter saying that there's interest... - Shut up. It's happening. - You're right. It's a big deal, dude. It's the Florida Gators. The Florida Gators. It's cool, man. I mean, it just shows that it's not some fantasy that I've built up in my head, you know? It's real. It's happening. We'll see. Yeah, I'm gonna get that scholarship. I'm gonna get us out of here. You have my word. And we'll get better cereal once we're out. Excuse me. Is there, like, a Coke machine around here or something? Yeah. Follow this main hall back around to the cafeteria. There's one there. Aren't you a little young to be a nurse? Not to be a nurse intern though, which is what I am. Okay, that makes sense. I'm Zach. Zach Truett, the running back at Bessemer. That's great. Yeah. We are undefeated, you know? All right. Zach, it's been really nice to meet you. Best part of my day, but I don't date football players. Ouch. I was thinking about getting two Cokes from that Coke machine. Now I'm not so sure. I might just have to get one. I'm a Dr. Pepper girl, so... See, that's a shame. Ginger, can I get an IV in five? Yep. On it. I'm gonna convert you. Take care. - I think she digs me. What do you think? - [Dave] Yo. Hey. What's up, man? How did it go? Went for an annual checkup. I'm 45 days without any problems, so... That's good. Did they give you a lollipop and a sticker too? Not this time. You didn't by chance have a really hot nurse, did you? Like, 75 years old, smoker's cough, gray hair. Nope. Martha? Martha's all yours, bud. [man announcing] Hey, Bessemer fans. You're witnessing something special here tonight with Zach Truett. 203 yards, two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and the boy is putting together a season like, well, I've never seen. I'm hungry. I was kinda feeling like salmon. You want some salmon? I like salmon. That's a high-class meal, dude. I know. I can't really cook salmon. Good luck with that. I want some noodles. What kind of noodles? Like, some ramen noodles, dude. Hey, Truett! We got room for one more. What are you guys doing here? Hey. Could you cover for me? It's getting old. No, I know, but... The train is leaving. All right. One sec, one sec. Come on, it will be just one hour. If Nanny asks, I'm icing my... you know? All right. Thank you, man. Love ya. Ah! Whoo! What's up, fellas? Get in there. Ah! [man] Don't ever say That you won't Be what you want When you want, you will And I will love you still I brought you guys some soup. Hey, Nanny. Did you say something? I brought you some soup. Homemade. Chicken and dumplings, just like you like. You're awesome. Where's Zach? He's icing his leg. He should be back by 10:30 though. I heard he scored five times. Yeah, it was almost six. You should have been there. Well, I've seen enough football to last me a lifetime. After watching you take that hit last year? Them carting you off the field. Your body all locked up the way it was. No, thank you. No, sir. And then, like a crazy woman, you jumped out of the stands and ran out onto the field to help me. I wasn't coming to tend to you. I was looking for that middle linebacker who put you in the dirt with a cheap shot. I'm not afraid to give somebody the business on a Friday, ask for forgiveness on a Sunday. Good night, Nanny. Five, four, three, two, one. Baby! Right on the dot. It was a buzzer beater, but it's 10:27. Yeah. How 'bout that? - Smells like you had a good time. - It was one beer, Dad. Come on. Let's stack some bathroom tissue. Dude, those guys are the worst. You're the worst. When you lie down with dogs... You wake up with fleas, Shakespeare. I get it. You can read. You know what I mean. Yeah. Did Nanny ask about me? Yeah, yeah. She actually made chicken and dumplings. Oh! So good. I'm never gonna find a lady that can make chicken and dumplings the way Nanny can. It's a shame. She's ruined me for all womankind. It's a tragedy, really. It was good. I killed the whole thing. - You what? - You were at your other thing. Are you kidding me? I just figured you wouldn't mind. What are you thinking, man? Come on! All right, put me down! I'm mad at you, man. Stack your dog food, apron boy. Get some work done. Here you go. And it's on the house. You make sure you get us a win this week, okay, Zach? You got it. And how about I dedicate my first touchdown to you, my lady? Yeah. Yeah? You're so cheesy. She smiled. Yeah. She also graduated high school the year you were born. Oh, Davey. Age is no factor when you have the gift of charm, brother. Let's eat this free food. How you doin', buddy? Good to see you. Hey. - You guys mind if I join you? - Yeah. - Long time no see, Pop. - I lost my appetite. You know, I come by. Now that you're not there, this one won't let me in. Yeah, I figured. Why didn't you say anything? Don't see why I'd waste my breath on this guy. I heard you're doing real well on the football field this season, Zachary. Did you? Yeah. In fact, rumor has it that you're gonna shatter all my district records. Yeah. No, I'm gonna wipe your name off the record books. You can count on that. We're family. You think that's supposed to mean something? It does. It means everything. It means nothing. We're family. You're some dude that left us after our mom died. Dave, let's go. Really? All right. Forget you both. [man] Living too fast Moments don't last What are we doing here? Too distracted to react Busy lives guided by fear I think it's time That we all slow down I got a question. More like a favor to ask of you. I'm hoping... that maybe you could ask Nanny to borrow a couple hundred dollars. You don't tell her it's for me. I'll get it paid back as soon as I can. - I thought you just wanted to talk to us. - Dude, that's what we're doing. You and I, we're talking right now. Look, I got into it a little bit with the manager at the site, so I'm temporarily unemployed. I'm a few weeks behind on my rent, and I just need a couple hundred dollars to carry me through. And I'm just behind, David. So, it would be helpful. It would be helpful. There's so much pride And so much fighting Why we always Gotta be right? So much emotion In a passing feeling Get out of the road, you loser! Touchdown Truett! What you doing, bud? - I'm walking. - I can see that. You need a ride? Where you headed? Get in. I think it's time That we all slow down Take a long look around Get ready to live. You're like your mama. You got a good heart. Zachary, he's got that streak in him he got from me, and so, just, you know? We'll just keep it between you and me. Dad, I don't think I can ask Nanny for any money. You don't think you can? No, I can't ask Nanny for any money. So you won't ask Nanny for money? No. Well... [clears throat] You gonna make this difficult on me too? That's awesome. That's great. What's it gonna take? Who you gonna blame When no one comes To save you? [laughing] What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? What's it gonna take? Yeah! What's it gonna take to Here we go. Special delivery. Cans full of courage. Who wants some? I got one. Hit me up right here. In that corner. Zach, you want one, bud? No, I'm good, man. What? All right, man. More for us, man. More for us. Why you always wear that jersey when we come out here? Bro, I'm the Joe Montana of cornholing. I told you. We all need to take a minute To stop and listen To the words Slipping out of our mouths Should never be A limit to love Whether you give it Here we go, baby. [laughing] Get a little of that, a little of this. Yeah! [shouting] Come on, baby. Good one! Are you kidding me? Who's next? Are you next? You? Line 'em up! If only you were as good at football as you are at beer pong. What did you say? Truett think he a five-star out here. Put up some hot numbers against them little schools. That's right, I'll put 'em up against you too next week at Edgewood if you like. What position you play? Do you even play football? Yeah, strong safety, actually. Not weak safety? Nah, you're gonna remember that. Trust me. Will I? Maybe when I'm running you over for one of my, what, two, three... Four, easy. Four touchdowns. You can count them from the sidelines if you like. I'm-a go get another beer. You want one? No, you're not. Hey, easy there. Don't let him disrespect you like that. Hit this fool, Truett. You don't want me to hit you. Oh, yeah? Yeah. You got that soft jaw. Runs in the family, right? Yeah. This the dude whose brother got knocked out. [crowd] Oh! Who's got that soft jaw now? All right. Say something. [screaming] Aaah! [groaning] [woman] It looks like a torn ACL. I won't know for sure without an MRI, but either way, you're going to need reconstructive surgery. I'll pay for it. Whatever your insurance doesn't pay for, I'll cover the rest. Nanny, you... If your mama was here, she'd see to it that you had it. As your godmother, you two are the closest things I'll ever have to sons. So let me bless you with this. [knocking] Make up your own mind. I'm not telling you what to do. [Zach] Yes, ma'am. What is this? You wanna tell me what this is? Move! Get out the way! What is this? Somebody showed me this trash about a half hour ago. Don't even try to explain it, because you know what? This is on Facebook. It's posted on Facebook. - So you know the UIL's gonna see it. - Coach. It wasn't even my... What am I supposed to say? 'Cause you know what they gonna do. They can suspend you. Anything can... What's going on with your knee? I don't know. I don't know. It looks like a torn ACL, Coach. So this the end of our football season? A chance for a scholarship for this boy. What were you thinking? What was on your mind? Exactly. Nothing. Unbelievable. [clearing throat loudly] [coughing, gags] [coughs, hawks] Okay, mister. Put this on. Okay. Are you my nurse? Nope. Your nurse will be in shortly. Well, I hope she's as friendly as you. Okay. Hi. Hi. Are you my nurse intern? I am your nurse intern. My name is... Ginger. Yeah. You don't date football players. [clears throat] I'm sorry to hear about your knee, Mr. Truett. I remember you telling me how good you are. Hey, so how do you put this on? Do you put it so that the butt is exposed? Or flip it around like... Other way. We need your butt exposed. Wow. Quite forward. Let me specify. The doctors need your back exposed. Oh, okay. You're feisty. Very highbrow humor, Zach. You smiled. I saw it. Mm-mmm. Are you sure about that? Yeah. I have a streak. Tomorrow's five months, no smiles. [laughs] Okay, well... Absolutely not. I just broke your streak, I think. If I were... Look. There it is again. Okay. He's gonna be fine, honey. Sorry. Nervous habit. Your daddy know about Zach? We haven't really talked that much. Your father's a mess, but he still is your father. He's never really even tried to apologize. Well, maybe he doesn't know how. Maybe he's too proud, too broken. Losing your mama hurt him too. I'm not saying his behavior is excusable, but it is forgivable. You'd be surprised how things can start to change when you forgive someone. All right, so the anesthesiologist will be in in a few minutes. Okay? Okay. Listen, do you think, before you leave, I could get your phone number? [snickers] What? I'm not a football player anymore. Well, I also don't date patients. So there's that. Now you're just making stuff up. What is that on your bracelet there? Galatians 20:20. Like your eyesight. What is it? Galatians 2:20. Oh. Uh... Um... "I'm crucified with Christ." Right? Yeah. That's one of my favorites. Yeah. It's a great verse. All right. You take care. So, Miss Ginger, are you sure about that phone number thing? Because I sure would like it. You are relentless. Listen, I'm sure our paths will cross again if it's meant to be. It was nice seeing you, Zach. You too. Hey, I'm sorry about your knee. Okay. [woman on PA] Dr. Randall, please call the operator. [man] Ladies and gentlemen! [rapper] One thousand. Motion, motion. Biz busy on the boards Came from nothin' I remember spendin' summers On the corner That's right on the line of scrimmage. Me and BJ in that Cutlass CD playin', missin' buttons Up at Lincoln High in Dallas With that Jesus music pumpin' [whistle blowing] - What the heck? - Somebody's got to follow up. Okay? Truett. We're getting killed out there because of you! He ain't never Dropped the ball I don't never plan to fumble Catch me runnin' With them lions Reggie Bushin' in the jungle [shouting] Let me pick up Back when promoters Wouldn't let me back in What up, Truett? I was hoping to see you tonight. Right on the bench where you belong. [whistle blowing] [man] Let's break this up! - Watch out, Truett. - Blow it, blow it! Truett! [Coach] Come on, what are you thinkin'? You're not even in the game, and you're causing problems! Get off my bench, son. [train horn blows] I realize you've been doing the job of two people, and I appreciate that. I wanted you to know that. Thank you, Nanny. I love you. Good night. You lock up. I will. I love you too. Thank you. Good night, Zachary. Night, Nanny. [singing faintly] Oh! Ooh. [grunting] Hey, it's midnight! Dave. Davey, let's go, man. Dude. Davey! Dave. Where are you, bud? Hello? Dave. Hey, hey. Hey, look at me. You all right? Hey. You see me? You good? Yeah. Here, let me help you up. Here. Come on. Let me help you. That was a rough one. Yeah? Uh-huh. I'm sorry, man. I wish I could have been here. I was in the other aisle. There's nothing you can do. Look at me. Let me see your eyes. You good? I'm good. I'm good. [man] Oh, my brother Your wisdom Is older than me And, oh, my brother Don't you worry 'bout me Don't you worry Don't you worry Don't worry about me [singer vocalizing] How's that Bricklayin' coming? How's your engine running? Is that bridge Getting built? Are your hands Getting filled? Won't you tell me My brother 'Cause there are stars Up above We can start Moving forward [vocalizing] Good morning. Morning, Coach. What are you doing here? Rough night last night for the both of us, I suppose. Yeah. Brought doughnuts. Can you make a decent pot of coffee, Mr. Truett? Yes, sir. Uh... Actually, our coffee pot's broken, I think. [sighs] Sorry. You boys doing okay? You all right? Yeah. I've been better. Well, I personally know a handful of amazing athletes who have come back strong from ACL surgery, son. How many of them lost scholarships? There's more to life... It's not just about football, with all due respect, sir. It's about a ticket out of here. And that ticket's gone now... because of me. You know, son, I'm really, terribly sorry. But these things that life has landed on you boys the way that it has... [sighs] I guess what I'm trying to say is... Track season's right around the corner. Track season. You know, they give scholarships for track. I guess your knee won't be ready for that either. Wouldn't matter if it was. What? Said it wouldn't matter if it was. Why? Because I don't run track. I play football. That's right. You're a football player, son. One of the finest football players I've ever seen in my life and don't you ever forget it. Oh, God, man. I'm ashamed. I really wish I could do something for you, son. I really do. [engine revving] Ladybird. This one seems so cool. Hey, hey. You guys go ahead. Meet you in a sec. All right, weirdo. Well, now, I'd say this baby right here goes from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds. - Did you guys know that? - See you later. Did they not know that? Oh, they knew it. '70 Mustang? Has a V8, 350 horses under the hood. Not a chance. Uh-oh. You actually know a thing or two about cars, don't you? Uh-oh. You don't, do you? No, not even a little bit. Not one bit. Yikes. You caught me. You caught me. How's your knee feeling, sir? Well, ma'am, my knee is feeling fantastic. It's getting there, thanks to you. Good. Speaking of which, I distinctly remember a conversation with my nurse intern regarding paths crossing again or fate or something like that. I don't think I used the word "fate." Hmm. Well... I remember a similar conversation. I did not use the word fate. Well, we can agree to disagree. Regardless, is this the part where I get your number or... Subtle. Nice. Well, I do what I can. Why beat around the bush? You know? I was thinking Friday at 8:00 p.m., of course. I could pick you up. How about if I meet you somewhere for coffee tomorrow afternoon? Coffee. How's that sound? If you're into coffee, I got a great place, but they're only open Friday at 8:00. I can't wait anymore All right. For some feeling of yours Yeah? Wow. Don't be weird about it. Okay, sorry. Are you gonna wear those pigtails to dinner? [giggling] How's the rehab going? Nonexistent. Fine. Are you doing your exercises? Using the bands? Yes, I am. Nope. Dave, come on, man, seriously. She's asking me these questions. Zach. Look, you need to be keeping up with this. That scar tissue is going to build up and be very problematic. You need to do the routine every day to get this right. Okay, I get it. No, I don't think you do. I actually forgot my phone inside, so just go to the car. All right. Here, give me the keys. Dude, really? You played quarterback? Excuse me. What if I wanted to try to play some sports? You know football is out of the question. Right. But what if I wanted to run track... competitively? Like you have always said, it's about not taking a hit, and that my brain abnormalities are reduced with exercise. We're not talking about just jogging around the park, Dave, and you know that. But technically, you could clear me? I mean, taking your medication every time before you run is an absolute must. So, I got cleared to run track. What? Yeah. I ran back in and asked the doctor. She says I'm all good. She says it's safe for you? Yeah. She cleared me, didn't she? Yeah. I guess. That's awesome, man. That's gonna be cool. I was thinking I could get one of those scholarships like Coach was talking about. Dave, you've never ran track in your life, and you want to get a scholarship? You really think you could do that? Who's the fastest guy at Bessemer? I'm the fastest guy at Bessemer. Okay, look, I run with you step for step. I even beat you half the time, maybe more. No, definitely less. Dude, I'm fast. [laughs] Yeah, you are. You're fast, man. Look, I can do this. I've got nothing to lose and a scholarship to gain. It's not gonna be easy. You're gonna really have to bust your butt. Just one thing. I'm going to need a training partner. That's not a problem. We can find you a training partner. What are you smiling like that for? Okay, I see where you're going with this. We've trained together for every sport, from peewee baseball to varsity football. I get it, I get it, I get it. I don't know, man. I'm not a trainer. Come on. You got nothing to lose. You in? [man] Winding down the valley Towards the shore - This is actually really good coffee. - Is it? Let me taste it. I've never actually had it. You mind? All right. Okay. It's so sweet. You told me it was really good. I know. That's what I heard through the grapevine. Mmm. That's good. That's pretty terrible. [laughing] So, what do you do all day now that you don't play football? What do I do all day? Mainly bird watching. I've gotten into bird watching pretty heavily. I also enjoy coloring. I am... I'm about 72 pages into my most recent coloring book. I got it three days ago so I've really been, you know, pounding that out. I obsess over this really pretty nurse that I met recently, you know? She's got something I can't quite put my finger on. I mean, Martha's everything I've always wanted. Martha! I don't know why you're laughing. It's not funny. It's why I'm here. Martha. To get closer to you, to get closer to her. Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, she's a lucky lady. No, I'm the lucky lady to be here sitting with you. I think I like you or something. I'm pretty excited to be here. Yeah? Yeah. I'm glad I said yes. Me too. I'm starving though. Yeah, me too. I haven't eaten all day. You ready to do this? I'm so ready, it's not even funny. Should... Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. No, I thought we could pray first. - You want to do it, like, together? - Yeah. Okay, cool. Finish, like, chewing stuff. All right. You wanna take it away? No. You really... I'm good. You don't have to walk me to my car. If it's what I gotta do to spend a few extra minutes with you, I'm all for it. You're very chivalrous. Yeah, well... Noted. Good. I'm just trying to score some points here, you know? You got one point with that. You're on the board. All right. Good, good. Besides, what if there was someone who came up and... Like that guy who came and like tried to mug you, or these people right here? I don't know what I would do. I know what I would do. What would you do? I'd protect you with ancient kung fu. Ancient kung fu. Whoa! That was my impressed face. Was it? Were you impressed? Let me see it? You're impressed with that. Check this out. Come at me. Wow. That's what I thought. [man] Home I'll run home I've been looking round For my reflection I've been looking round But I can't see I've been living round My rejection I've been wondering how Can I be me [muttering] I've been wondering how Can I be me Dad? Oh. Wow. Beer and roses. That's a nice touch. [sniffling] I had 20 Christmases with her. Two without her is... Two Christmases without her. It's always hardest in the holidays, and I know that I... I know that I just make everything worse, and, um... It's okay, Dad. I forgive you. Two Christmases without her? How 'bout two Christmases without us? Your sons. - We still could have been a family! - We are a family... We're not a family. Come on, Zach. Why you always sticking up for him? Because he's our dad! No, he is not our dad! He's a drunk and a coward. And he is not my father! Why don't you have a minute with your mother? You don't have to go, Dad. You're a good boy, Dave. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. What kind of man walks out on his two boys after their mom dies of cancer? A broken one. And that's a good enough answer for you? [Zach] Man, that thing's been here since we were kids. Did they ever figure out who broke off baby Jesus' leg? Wasn't that you? Yeah, I know, but I'm just wondering if they ever figured that out. [Dave] You all right? Yeah. It's just bringing back old memories or whatever. [Pastor] We all could use a moment. I'm not just talking about being in the moment, but one of life's beautiful moments. I'm talking about a game-changing, seismic shift, capital-"M" moment. Amen. You know what I mean? Where after that, everything in your life seems different. We're here to celebrate a moment like that this evening. - I know you know what I'm talking about. - Amen. Yeah, I'm talking about the birth of Jesus. A moment with a capital "M." After that moment, history would change. That's right. Praise the Lord. But most of us, we don't get to have our moment. Because we suffer from an affliction called "The Somedays." And it goes something like this Someday, I'm really gonna listen more and not just talk. Someday, I'm gonna pour into my kids. Someday, I'm gonna get right with all that God stuff. I'm gonna get spiritually aligned. God's gift to us... was Jesus. [man] Thank you, Lord. So that one day, our someday could become our moment. Davey, we've gotta get out of here, man. I am so sick of Bessemer. [sighs] I don't want to get stuck here, you know? End up like Dad. I'd rather us be running to something instead of from something. It doesn't matter. It's just time to run. [man] Ramblers in the wilderness We can't find what we need We get a little restless From the searching Get a little worn down In between Like a bull Chasing the matador [no audible dialogue] Is the man left To his own schemes Everybody needs someone Beside 'em Shining like a lighthouse From the sea Brother, let me be Your shelter Never leave you all alone I can be the one you call When you're low Brother, let me be Your fortress When the night winds Are driving on Be the one to light the way Bring you home Face down in the desert now There's a cage locked Around my heart I found a way To drop the keys Where my failures were Now my hands Can't reach that far I ain't made for a rivalry I could never Take the world alone I know that in my weakness I am strong But it's your love That brings me home Brother, let me be Your shelter Never leave you all alone I can be the one you call When you're low Brother, let me be Your fortress When the night winds Are driving on Be the one to light the way Bring you home And when you call And need me near Say it when you go Brother, I'm right here And on those days When the sky begins to fall You're the blood of my blood We can get through it all Brother, let me be Your shelter Never leave you all alone I could be the one you call When you're feelin' low So can I leave my car parked here, or do I need to wait for the valet to come through? Shut up. Yeah, you're right. I should probably keep the keys on me. Looks like a rough neighborhood. Hi. So glad you could make it. Yeah, I'm glad I got the invite to finally meet the fam. Sorry. My breath smells like coffee. So, when you meet my dad... Yeah? ...don't worry. He can come off a little intimidating, but he's really a total softy. - He'll just hit you with some small talk. - I can do small talk. Tell me what you like about my daughter, Zach. Dad. Just getting right to it. No, I love it. That's cool. That's a good question. It's an easy one to answer. I think she's pretty great to be around. You know, I like spending time with her. She's obviously very beautiful. I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, ma'am. Well... thank you, Zach. You're very welcome. Don't make eyes at my wife, son. Um... I was just making a joke. [laughs] - So was I. - Okay. Sorry. And what do you think about Jesus? Um, this small talk... It's important to us to know who's dating our daughter. Yeah. Of course. No, I get that. Um... I'm just... I'm just a little afraid, I guess, that if I tell you guys how I feel, you might not let me see Ginger again. Well, at least you're honest, so we're off to a good start. Okay. Well... I don't know where to begin. I guess I know a lot about Jesus. But I'm not sure I really know him the way my mother did and my brother does and maybe the way you guys do. I grew up in church and everything... but as I got older, I started asking all these, you know, questions, and now there's just a lot of things I'm unsure about. Like what? Well... if you really want to know, I don't understand why Jesus would leave towns before everybody was healed. I don't understand why all of Jesus' disciples died these terrible deaths. I mean, Peter was crucified upside down, and he was one of Jesus' best friends. So that doesn't really add up for me. I guess I just... I don't understand why terrible people get to live to be a hundred and amazing people like my mother were taken away too early. [chuckles] By the way, I get that I'm totally blowing this whole meet-the-parents-for-dinner thing. Not at all. I'm sorry. No. You're not the first person sitting at this table to wrestle with his faith. Trust me. Yes, sir. - Can we eat? - Yes, please. Let's eat. [Zach] Hey. What's wrong? Zach, I really like you. I guess I didn't realize how you felt. What, about God? I thought that was between me and him. Yeah, but it's important to me, and you know that. [sighs] I get it, all right? I do. I get the whole Jesus thing. And I did it for a long time. But things happen, and people change. God doesn't change. Zach, he loves you, whether you want him to or not. I can't just snap my fingers and make everything okay. But then again, I don't have a huge house and nice things and perfect parents. You just trust him. He's gonna meet you wherever you're at. Really? It's that simple? Man, I've just had the switch turned to off the whole time. The one that says, "trust God." I'm an idiot. I should just turn it on. Then I can be good enough for your little club. You know that that's not what I'm saying, Zach. It sure sounds like it. You look cold. You should probably go inside. Yeah. Okay. Thanks for coming tonight, Zach. [sighs] [engine starts] [angry grunt] [exhales] [woman singing country on speakers] Hey. Mike, is this your boy? - What are you talking about? - Right here. Yeah. Yeah, that's my boy. Looks like he's running track now. Track? It's a football town, man. He'll be running around like Ms. Pacman. [imitating electronic chirping] He mentioned thanking some people in here too. But not you. Well, you know what? Donald, maybe he forgot. He's a teenager, and kids forget. They ain't got no respect these days. That's what I think. Your boy, he's running his butt off, man. He's good. You know, he takes first place tomorrow, he's going to State? I guess he figures he's gotta make up for his brother, who ruined your football season. You know, it's the least he can do, right, Coach? [Donald] Ruined it for the whole town. These boys, they've been dealt a tough hand, D. They been through a lot. Hey. We've all been through a lot, Bill. Yeah, but your boys are different. They're amazing. They're resilient. They're special. I don't need your help with my kids, Bill. Yeah, you do. Your boys don't need a coach. They need a dad, Mike. The whole world's going crazy, spinning out of control, and somehow your boys have managed so far to make it. You're gonna look up one day, and they will have moved on. To Gainesville, Jacksonville, maybe. Somewhere, but not here. Not Bessemer. And you're gonna miss 'em, Mike. And that game will be over, Dad. [balls clacking] I'm always gonna go back Go back, go back Gary. Want another one, Mike? I'm good. Good. See you tomorrow, Mike. [Dave] God, just asking you, watch over me and keep me safe out there, and help me perform to the best of my abilities in a way that honors you. Whatever is part of your plan, I trust that you've got my back. Dave. Amen. Dave. What are you doing, man? Everyone's out there warming up. Just a pregame routine. Is he gonna stretch for you too? Let's get out there, man. - All right. - Let's go! I'll be out there in a minute. All right. [announcer] Welcome back, Rebel fans, to the 3A Area track and field championships. Getting ready to start is the Boys' 400 Meter where former Bessemer quarterback David Truett has fought his way back from a career-ending head injur to challenge as the dark horse in this new arena. Hey, good to see you, Coach. Good to see you. Good to see you, Coach. Good to see you, now. All right. Good luck to you. [man] Thank you. Hey, Truett. What size is that shirt, man? Extra small? You got this, all right? You got this. [announcer] Truett will be running in lane five, and right next to last year's area champ, Justin Nole, in lane four. Runners, on your mark. Set! - [starter pistol fires] - [crowd cheering] Come on, Dave! There you go, bud. Keep it up! Keep it up! [announcer] Don't blink. Just one lap, folks. Nole is out to a quick lead. Oh, my Lord. My heart can't take this. There's not much separation as they come out of turn two down the backstretch. They're neck and neck. It's Nole in the lead. Come on, man. You got this. - Truett pulls into third as we round out of the last turn. - Yes! - Come on, Truett! - Dave, move! - Here they come down the front stretch. - Come on, boy. Come on! Come on! - Go, go, go! - Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Kick that into gear, Dave! And it's too close to call! What a finish! We're gonna have to wait from confirmation from the judges. And Truett wins it with a 49! Yeah! He's your new 3A area... Yes. ...track and field champion. [crowd cheering] Thank you, Coach. Congratulations, son. Are you kidding me? - Faith is a beautiful thing, isn't it? - Amen. Isn't it a beautiful thing? It is. If you don't believe and have faith in your football coach, you're not gonna listen to him, are you? No. You don't have faith in him. But if he tells you to get out and put in the work, and do the exercises, and you don't put in that work, you're not gonna win a lot of games, are you? No. Faith is beautiful. Yes, it is. Faith with action. That's our homework. That's all of our homework, isn't it? Take that faith in your heart. Put it into action. - Can I get an amen? - [congregation] Amen! Yes. Thank you, sir. Great sermon. Thank you. Nice. See you later. It's good to see you here, Pop. Yeah. I'm thinking about making some changes. Plus, I don't have anything better to do on Sunday, so... You never told me how things went with Ginger. Well, that's because I haven't quite figured it out yet. You want to talk about it? Nope. What'd you do? What'd I do? Nothing. You sabotage your own relationships. You know that. Oh, no, I don't. Look, you just don't want to wait too long and lose her, man. Maybe I do. I'll admit, man, I guess I have some things I can work on, but... we all do. Well, you have a little more than others. If I let her go, I'm an idiot, aren't I? I'm gonna assume that's a rhetorical question? Shut up. Come on, let's go. One last race before State this weekend. Loser does the dishes. All right. And for clarification, yes, you are an idiot. [man] I see a world A world turning in On itself Are we just like Hungry wolves howling In the night? I don't want No music tonight Can we go on Like it once was? Every time I hear another story Of the poor boy Lost his head Everybody feels A little crazy But we go on living with it Yeah, they go on Living with it Can we go on Like it once was? Ah! Come on! Dishes. No. All you, baby. You're still doing the dishes. Yeah, and I will let him know to bring it to Room 143 tomorrow. Absolutely. Um, you got it. Thanks. Hi. Hi. Most guys would say sorry with flowers. Yeah, well, I know you're not superficial like that. Well, you got lucky. I did get lucky. And I blew it. Look, Ginger. I'm sorry. All right? I was such a jerk to you. And I know that, and... I think I just got defensive because I was scared. I'm just struggling with a lot of different things right now. And it's confusing, and that's no excuse. [sighs] But I know that I don't want those things to keep me from you. Because you're the best thing that's happened to me in a really, really long time. Zach. I don't know. We have a lot that we need to talk about. You really hurt me. I know. I'm sorry. I just don't want to lose you. So I thought I'd bring you a peace offering, you know. Nice touch. Apology accepted. Come here. Thank you. When the storm comes Will you reject the rain? A childlike faith, huh? You stacked the cards against me, and then you expect me... to just believe in you. Well, I'm not a kid anymore. It's not that easy. You talking to somebody? Uh... No. I'm just thinking. Just thinking. Where's the chocolate? We don't have any. How are we gonna have s'mores if we don't have chocolate, dude? I guess we're just gonna have marshmallows and Dew. All right, I can dig it. You were moving today. How's the knee feeling? - Good enough to smoke you. - Yeah. [chortling] No, it's feeling good, man. I mean, it's 100%. - Then I guess it worked. - What worked? I've been training you this whole time. You said your knee was back to 100%. You're ready to get back on the field. Back on the field? Yeah. Dave, the season's over. How am I gonna do that? It doesn't matter. I'm gonna go to State, and I'm gonna win. Who's not gonna give a scholarship to the State champ? You're gonna come with me wherever I go. You're gonna walk onto the team next year. And then, after that, you can get a scholarship for football. But we're gonna get out of here. That's the plan. [laughing] You make it sound pretty easy. Yeah, well... I believe in the plan. And I believe in you. [water dripping] [thudding] Dave? Dave. Hey. Hey. You're good, bud. Easy. [groans] Easy. Easy. Come on. Come on. You're good. You're good. All right. I'm gonna call 911, all right, man? I'm gonna be right back. [monitor beeping] Hey. Hey. What'd the doctor say? He said I had a series of four grand mal seizures. Thank you. Thank you. So, what does that mean then? Are you okay? Is that normal? 'Cause what I saw wasn't normal, man. Your eyes were different than I'd ever seen 'em before. That was not you. I'm in good hands now. Thank you for being there for me. Yeah. Of course, man. How long are you gonna be here? I don't know yet. Okay. Well, I'm gonna be here as long as you're here. So I'm gonna run home, I'm gonna grab some clothes and stuff. I'll be back in about an hour. Is there anything I can get you? There's really only one thing you can do for me. What's that? Could you dump my bedpan? It's really full. Uh... yeah. Yeah, that's... Where is it? Is it over there? Are you joking? Yeah. That's not very funny. I'm sorry. Honestly, just pray for me. That's all I need you to do. Yeah, I'll do that. [sighs] It's all a part of his plan, right? That's what you'd say? I can't tell you that I know what his plan is, but I do know that all things work for good. Of course. All things work for good 'cause so many good things have happened in my life. Come here. Come. Sit down here. When I was 21, doctors found tumors on both of my ovaries. When I found out I couldn't have kids, I cried for a year straight, every day. Now, your grandmother... [exhales] her and I... I never had a sister, but if I did, it would have been that fine lady. I never knew her. Oh, I wish you had. She was good and kind. Strong. She could admit when she was wrong, and she stood up for what was right. She had a heart for God and she passed all that down to your mama. And your mama passed it down to you boys. Now, I was there when you and Dave were born. And every birthday since, I didn't miss a one, you know that. I've watched you boys grow up to be men. Seen more of your life than your grandma and your mama ever could. And I don't know why that is... but I'm eternally grateful. You see... I was that girl, at 21, who thought that God had forgotten about her. But now, the woman at 65... sees what God's plan was all along. And I was supposed to be y'all's Nanny. And I wouldn't trade that for anything in the whole wide world. Now, I know life can be confusing. It's full of ups and downs. It doesn't mean God isn't real or that he doesn't love you. Because God does love you. He loves you like crazy. I couldn't have asked for a better Nanny. Come here. I love you boys like you were my own. I love you too. Go. [man] I was calling For the last time We've been here before They found the pictures In the snow I can tell your eyes Looked beneath the blue I walk underneath the trees For the first time I was calling For the last time We've been here before They found the pictures In the snow I can tell your eyes Looked beneath the blue I walk underneath the trees For the first time [exhales deeply] [sniffles] [sighs] Why is this so hard? Every time I come and pray to you, it's so hard. I did it for my mama. You didn't help me then. And I don't understand that. I never will. I'm begging that you'll hear me now. 'Cause I'm done running. I'm done running. If you want me, I'm right here. [sniffles] I need you. Just help me. Just help me. I'm right here. Michael, what are you doing here? Your Nanny... Who called you? Nanny called me. All right. I've got this under control, so can you please leave? Hey, Zachary. Can you just leave, Dad? Just listen to me for a second. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. A lot of mistakes. But the biggest mistake that I ever made was walking out on you and your brother. And I'd like to make that up to you if you'll let me try. I love you so much. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You don't have to forgive me, Zachary. You don't have to forgive me. [TV announcer] Hoping to have a better spring game performanc than a season ago. We are gonna have a kickoff. Even though all special teams tonight will be no contact, the pure simulation... Hey, bud. Hey. Is Dad still here? No, he's not. He'll be back though. Oh. Here, check this out. Look what I got for you, man. I thought you might want it. Thanks. Hey, listen, man. You know how you asked me to pray for you? I did it. That's awesome, Zach. I did it. Yeah. And as I was praying for you, I started praying for me. You know? I walked into that house not believing, and I walked out... Come here. I love you. - [Zach] One more lap? - Yeah. Is that cool? Look, I just want to say that I'm really sorry. For what? I really thought it was part of the plan for me to run tomorrow and get us out of here. Hey, you don't need to be sorry for that. So it wasn't part of the plan. You know what? Maybe there's something better waiting for us. It was just so clear to me. And I'm... just really sorry that I let you down. Hey. Davey. You didn't let me down, bud. You couldn't let me down. All right? Why don't you run in my place? What? Look, if... if you stay here, nothing changes, we're stuck. But if you run tomorrow, you never know what can happen. That could be our last chance at getting out of here. Don't you want to take it? - Your knee's good to run? - Yeah, my knee's great, Coach. I've been training with Dave the whole track season. Sticking with him, step for step. Coach. I mean, this is really important for me. It's important for Dave. I can see that. I'll probably have to sign you in as your brother. That doesn't sound very official though. You know, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but... I'll take the heat. Truth is, may not be the worst thing for me to get fired from this track coach job. Guys running around in a circle, it never really interested me. You hand a young man a ball and have folks try to tackle him? That is a sport. Yeah, Coach. That's football. Yeah, well, you see my point. Yeah. You boys are due some breaks. I'll do anything I can to help you, son. Thank you, Coach. Yeah. [Coach] Let me make a couple calls. I'll get you cleared to run. Zach. What are you doing in here, son? Coach, you really think I can win this? [sighs] Well... [sighs] these boys out there... they're all real track athletes. They been training all year, maybe their whole lives, for this moment. Coach, if this is a pep talk, it really needs some work. But... I know, without a shadow of a doubt that they don't have the heart or the drive that you have. I've never seen someone sprint down a sideline the way that you do, son. Whoo! You think any of these fellas out there could catch you on a football field? No, sir. Right. So you're really just running four football fields then, aren't you? A turn here, turn there. Yeah. Just remember, you're only running against yourself. You got about 45 seconds to give it all that you got. It's you against the clock. So, come on. There's someone I want you to meet. Hey, Zach. Coach tells me your knee's back in playing shape. Yes, sir. Yeah. It's better than ever. Well, good. Good. I'm looking forward to seeing what you got out there. Man, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you scouted track too. I don't. Good luck. [laughing] Runners, take your mark. Set! [starting pistol fires] [no audible dialogue] [exhales] [man rapping on radio] Nanny. Guess what. The Florida scout was at the track meet, okay? I talked to him. I got second place. [laughing] Zach... I got second place! Zachary. What? Nanny, what's wrong? It's your brother. Nanny. [crying] I've been running But I don't know why I fool myself But I can't hide, no Hey, Zach, I don't... I, um... Your brother. I remember when he was a boy, he used to sleep with this under his pillow. And, um, I got it from his hospital. [boys shouting] [whistle blowing] [shouting continues] [whistle blowing] All right, let's go, boys. [claps] Hey there, pretty lady. Hi. [whistle blowing] [Zach] Davey is my hero. That may sound like a funny thing to say about your little brother. You see, he taught me, in life there are only two ways you can be running: to God or from God. And I spent so much time running from God. And I'm pretty fast. And looking back, it wasn't his death, but the way Dave lived his life. How he never gave up on me, and not only showed me love, but the truth. That's what turned me around. [cheering] And the moment I did, Jesus was there with his arms wide open. I just want to encourage anyone who feels like they're running in life... to stop, turn around and embrace who's chasing them. 'Cause I'll tell you what. He loves you. He loves you like crazy. Hey, Truett. Welcome to Gator nation, man. Thanks, brother. Congratulations, man. I love your story. Keep it up, all right? Yes, sir. Just stay strong. [exhales] Brother, let me... |
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