Chanise gets roped into a Black Student Union event by her college classmate Jayla—leading to a night full of unexpected laughs. Meanwhile, Hope battles insecurity and depression as the pressure of juggling two jobs mounts, made worse by an unannounced visit from her sister, Faith. Brianna faces the harsh reality of single motherhood as she navigates the challenges of raising a child alone.
SEASON 3: EPISODE 18 (Call First)
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Call First I Episode 18
Written by: Billi Sarafina
SCENE 1
EXT. PRENATAL CLASS - THURSDAY MORNING
FX: FAN BLOWING. PEOPLE GETTING SETTLED.
FACILITATOR: Welcome everyone to our prenatal class. Becoming a mother brings significant change. It involves dismantling your former self and rebuilding your new self, complete with a new biology, body, awareness, and value system.
BRIANNA: (V.O.) You can say that again. My body is definitely going to need to be renovated. This prenatal class is too early in the damn morning and 3 hours long, for what? I mean, with all the books I’ve read, I really feel like I can birth these babies my damn self. But, Diana warned that I would regret not taking these classes. So, here I am, sitting across from other moms with their partners that look like they have it all together. I needed a break from Diana and Jamie, so, I didn't mention this class.
FACILITATOR: So, does anyone want to share their experience about their newfound self?
MOM #1: I’m Sam, and one thing I hate is that people like to call me cute. Cute? What’s cute about this? I have to wear slip-ons, 'cause I can’t tie my shoelaces. Don’t forget the massive heartburn and how hard it is to sleep.
MOM #2: Lucy here, and before you throw your tomatoes, hear me out. I have been having a great time. I love that everyone will give their last treat to a pregnant woman, how I get excused whenever I need to call out sick—no questions asked—and the overall concern from practical strangers about my well-being. I mean, when else in life does that happen?
BRIANNA: (V.O.) At your funeral.
FACILITATOR: Anyone else?
BRIANNA: Well, does anyone have trouble rolling over in bed? Caue, that’s me. And don’t even look at my legs; they’re definitely the hairiest they’ve ever been.
MOM #1: Oscar shaves my legs for me once a week. Isn’t that right?
OSCAR: I like it. It’s becoming quite a fetish.
FX: THEY BOTH LAUGH SHEEPISHLY.
FACILITATOR: Well, it’s great that you are becoming aware of your bodies. What about your pregnancy? How have your expectations changed, and what does it look like now?
MOM #1: Well, Oscar and I have been trying for a few years now, and admittedly, I wasn’t sure if I was ready. But, almost as soon as I started feeling okay with the idea of not being pregnant—poof—I got pregnant.
MOM #2: We’re not married, so it started out just having some fun. A year later, this is us now.
BRIANNA: Umm, my situation is a little unique. I decided that I didn’t want to wait any longer for the perfect situation, and I’m having a baby solo.
MOM #1: Oh. (BEAT) So, who’s the dad?
MOM #2: Let me guess. He’s married.
MOM #1: He’s gay? My cousin had a baby with her gay best friend.
FACILITATOR: MAMAS, PLEASE. If Brianna is comfortable telling us about her child’s father, then she will—no pressure.
BRIANNA: I don’t mind. It’s nothing spectacular. Basically, I got a sperm donor. I know it's not the traditional way, but I desired motherhood with or without a partner. So, I am choosing to lean on my friends.
BRIANNA: (V.O.): I really want to say, "CLOSE YOUR DAMN MOUTHS." I mean, being a single mother isn’t anything new. I don’t know why they look so surprised.
MOM #1: We get it. So, just know that we are now all family, and we’re your tribe. We are here for you.
FX: BRIANNA’S PHONE DINGS.
MOM #2: Just added you to the group chat.
BRIANNA: (V.O.) Great. Just what I needed.
FADE
SCENE 1A
FX: WALKING OUTSIDE, GETTING IN CAR
BRIANNA (V.O.) I’m so glad that is over. I will never make the mistake of coming alone again. How stupid can I be? Jamie or someone will definitely be with me moving forward. I mean, the rest of the class ended up being way too focused on my business. Mind your own vagina.
MOM #2: Hey Brianna, can I talk to you?
BRIANNA: Sure.
MOM #2: First, let me say I admire your courage so much! I mean, twins and being a single mom. My mom left my dad when I was 12. He became a single dad. I never truly got over it.
BRIANNA: (V.O.) Now I’m a therapist?
MOM #2: But, when I became pregnant, everything changed. It was like I understood my mom and what she did. I haven’t fully forgiven her, but I am grateful my partner is here. So, I couldn’t imagine being in your shoes. We’re even thinking of doing a home delivery.
BRIANNA: Really? (interested)
MOM #2: Yes, I mean, we’re both pretty private, and since we don’t have a lot of support, it almost feels right to kind of encapsulate the experience just for us.
BRIANNA: Hmmmm. That sounds kinda perfect. Maybe I should look into it too. Seems peaceful, you know, having your baby at home.
MOM #2: If you want, I can send you the contact for my midwife.
BRIANNA: Do that.
MOM #2: So, if he’s not married or gay, is he incarcerated?
BRIANNA: I told you, I ordered baby daddy from the sperm bank.
MOM #2: So, scandalous.
FADE
SCENE 2
INT. KARAOKE BAR
FX: PATRONS HAVING A GOOD TIME. MUSIC PLAYING
CHANISE: They better not mess up this song. This is my jam. Do you think Bri is gonna show up?
HOPE: I hope so. We can’t sing “Waterfalls” with just the two of us.
CHANISE: That part.
HOPE: When I tell you the last few weeks have been a blur. I don’t know how long I can do this, Chanise. I am so exhausted.
CHANISE: Stop complaining, Hope. Try being in class with Professor Hanks breathing all down your back and students calling you "Miss" all day.
HOPE: I should be way ahead at this part of my life; I should be mentoring others. But instead, I’m still trying to find my place in this world.
CHANISE: Hope, you’re finally in the position that you have always wanted. I wasn’t sure if it would happen,but, I’m glad I’m still here to witness it.
HOPE: I’ll try to take that as a compliment.
BRIANNA: Sorry I’m late. I had to find my slip-ons.
CHANISE: You didn't miss anything, just Hope crying about her glamorous life again.
HOPE: That’s not fair, Chanise. (BEAT) Bri, you’re glowing.
BRIANNA: I should be. I finally got me some.
HOPE: Oh. Okay. I’m going to get another round for us.
BRIANNA: It was the best sex I had in my freaking life. Chanise, why didn't you tell me that would happen?
CHANISE: I didn’t know.
FX: BRIANNA’S PHONE DINGS
BRIANNA: I’m still on this stupid group chat with the moms from my prenatal class. I’m so sick of looking at their perfect family photos and videos. It’s really getting on my last nerve. But it also makes me feel lonely.
CHANISE: You’re not alone. You have us.
BRIANNA: How? Hope is working two jobs right now and Chanise, you’re working and in school. You can’t focus on me.
FX: HOPE RETURNS WITH DRINKS
HOPE: Vodka soda for you, Chanise. Soda for you, Bri.
BRIANNA: What if something goes wrong during my birth? What if they hate me for not letting their father in their lives? What if Jamie kills me to get custody?
HOPE: Why so dark?
BRIANNA: I’m sorry. You’re right.
CHANISE: Bri, you’re going to be the dopest mom ever!
HOPE: Chanise, you should be expecting the best out of your newfound college experience.
BRIANNA: Hope, you’re about to hit the next level. It’s gonna happen.
FX: THE ANNOUNCER COMES ON
ANNOUNCER: “WATERFALLS” BY TLC UP NEXT
HOPE: That’s us. I’m T-Boz.
CHANISE: Bitch, please. You know that’s me.
FADE
SCENE 3
INT: HOPE’S APARTMENT - FRIDAY MORNING
FX: PHONE RINGS AND TALKS
HOPE (V.O.) Calling again? Oh my God. Can I wake up before I have to listen to how great your life is? I’m on a mental health break for today. Don’t I get a break sometimes? No! That’s why I’m going to give myself a break and not answer any calls. Zero. I’m going to take a long bubble bath, binge-watch some of my favorite docs, and doze in and out of consciousness all day.
FX: PHONE RINGS AS HOPE DIVES UNDER HER COVERS AND PILLOWS DEEPER
PHONE: Faith. Do Not Answer. Faith. Do Not Answer.
HOPE: (groggy) Stop calling me!
INT. BATHROOM
FX: HOPE GOES INTO THE BATHROOM TO RUN A BATH. SHE HEARS NOISES.
HOPE: (frightened) What the hell was that?
FX: HOPE QUICKLY TURNS THE WATER OFF AND LISTENS INTENTLY.
HOPE: Hello?
FX: TIPTOEING TO THE LIVING ROOM. OPENS A DRAWER.
HOPE: Where’s my mace?
FX: KEY SHAKES IN THE DOOR.
HOPE: I said, who is it?
FX: HOPE DIALS 911 AS SHE RUNS TOWARD HER ROOM.
OPERATOR: 911.
HOPE: Yes, someone is breaking into my home.
OPERATOR: Ma’am, what’s your address? Are you alone?
HOPE: 1234 Dereon Street, please. Hurry.
OPERATOR: Have you laid eyes on the perpetrator?
HOPE: No, but I’m getting the hell….
FX: HOPE HEARS A THUMP AND A LOUD SCREAM. HOPE SCREAMS AND PUSHES HER BEDROOM DOOR OPEN.
HOPE: Faith! What are you doing? Haven’t you heard of knocking?
FAITH: My key wasn’t working. I thought you were at work.
HOPE: I took a mental health day and here you are disturbing it.
FX: 911 OPERATOR TALKS MUFFLED. FAITH WALKING INTO THE KITCHEN.
FAITH: This, my dear sister, is called a wellness check! And my sister’s senses were right; you’re looking like who shot John, Jimmy, and Joe, and you’re taking a mental health weekend. I made the right choice. (BEAT) Oooo, Doritos. You always have the best snacks.
FX: OPENING A BAG OF CHIPS.
FAITH: Is this the invite? See, I knew it, I knew it! I knew you were suicidal. Tre’s wedding day is a matter of months away.
FX: POPS A SODA AND DRINKS.
HOPE: Did Mom send you?
FAITH: Nope. And it’s best you don’t tell her I’m here. Or anyone for that matter. (BEAT) You know, Hope, I am so proud of what you’re doing. You stepped out on belief in yourself and look where you are today, just because you wouldn’t take no for an answer. I mean, you’ve made some pretty bad life choices, and I know it’s hard to believe, but I envy you for being able to be so free. You can come and go as you please, use the bathroom alone, take a bubble bath, have snacks whenever you want them, and not share. Meanwhile, I’m stuck at home with my—well, I can’t front—fabulous kids and adorably rich husband… who can never find anything. So I feel like a mom to everybody! I mean, frumpy, boring, old. I want… what do they call the moms? I want to be a MILF!
FX: HOPE LAUGHS.
HOPE: Faith, being single isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. I mean, when I run out of toilet paper, I have to drip dry and wobble to the linen closet to get a roll. Oh, and I’ve gained at least 15 pounds in the past month because, when I cook, I don’t have anyone to eat the leftovers with. So, guess who ends up eating them? Wait, and who do you think I cuddle with after I masturbate? My pillow. Not to mention if I died, days or months could go by before anyone noticed. And I’m saying those are perks.
FAITH: Yeah, I came at the right time. 'Cause you’re talking crazy.
FX: THERE’S A BANG AT THE DOOR.
HOPE: What the….
POLICE: You’re surrounded. Come out with your hands up!
HOPE: Oh no, I forgot….
FAITH: See what I mean? Your life is so exciting. (BEAT)
FADE
SCENE 4
EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY
JAYLA: Ms. Adams, wait up.
CHANISE: Girl, call me Chanise.
FX: THEY LAUGH
JAYLA: I don’t mean no disrespect, Ms. A—I mean, Ms. Chanise. I want to invite you to the Black Student Union Network mixer tonight.
CHANISE: For what?
JAYLA: You’re going to love it. It's a learning community for our Black students, and it has many benefits. They provide academic counseling services, social mixers, and group meetings. And I can’t lie, there’s also this cutie I’m eyeing named Jaquan.
FX: CHANISE LAUGHS
CHANISE: (Laughing) How did I know there was more?
JAYLA: Ms. Chanise, you gotta meet him! He's, like, hella fine, I’m telling you! I mean, he's fine AF, and get this—he’s all about space, like a space major, and wants to blast off and stuff. He's mad smart. Cutest ever. He's always like…
CHANISE: You know what, I’ll go.
CHANISE; (V.O.) Why not? I mean, my dating life sucks, and other than work and schoolwork, I’m not doing shit. Jayla is so sweet. I really wish she and Legend were still together. I hope he doesn’t marry Judy with the good hair. (BEAT) Let me shut up; whatever he decides, I’m on board. I need to worry about my own broken-down love life—Mikal playing dating roulette, Lionel over there with an entire new family, Brianna starting a family, Hope always getting it in—and meanwhile, I’m over here about to hang out with a bunch of twenty-year-olds. But I’ll give all them hoes a run for their money. Okurrrrrr!
SCENE 4B
INT. COLLEGE MIXER - LATER THAT EVENING
FX: PARTY HAPPENING
CHANISE: (V.O.) I got here a little earlier than I thought and figured I would just come in. They must have a nice budget because this place is fly. At least people are dressed appropriately. There’s the twerk tag team over there, but they are on their best behavior. Damn, why am I so nervous? Hands sweating and shit. The music has a vibe—what they know about SWV? Aye!!!!!! Where the hell is this girl?
QUINCY: Hey, Ms. Parker.
CHANISE: Very funny.
QUINCY: Quincy.
CHANISE: I’m Chanise. That’s your daddy’s name?
QUINCY: Yep. Guess what else I got from him?
FX: CHANISE LAUGHS
QUINCY: These hands. Lucky me, right? (BEAT) Do you drink? You look like the type that doesn’t drink.
CHANISE: I drink. What you got?
CHANISE: (V.O.) Chanise, girl, you know your ass is a lightweight. Don’t be out here showing out. Where the fuck is Jayla? He’s a young cutie pie too. Out of bounds, Chanise. Out of bounds. These little young dudes tryna make a bitch catch a case.
QUINCY: Here you go. This is an adios motherfucker.
CHANISE: What’s in that?
QUINCY: Everything you can imagine.
JAYLA: Auntie, you better sip on that!
CHANISE: JAYLA… What did we talk about, and where have you been?
JAYLA: My bad, Chanise. OMG! Take this shot with me! (BEAT) Aiiight!
FX: THEY DOWN THE SHOTS
CHANISE: (V.O.) That was a little stronger than I prefer. Ooooo.
QUINCY: Chanise, you want to dance?
CHANISE: No, why don’t you and…
JAYLA: Yassss!!!!!!! Chanise, get out there!
CHANISE: (V.O.) Suddenly, I felt like I was back in high school, kicking it with the cutest guy in the room. He pushes up on me and starts grinding me from behind. Damn, this boy is packing. Let me turn back around. I felt 21 all over again—no cares in the world. Had to be that shot, or was it that Adios thing? Who cares—I’m going balls to the wall, as Legend says. I still got it; they chanted my name.
FX: PARTY NOISE
FX: PARTY GOERS CHANTING “GO CHANISE”
FX: WE HEAR A LOUD CRASH AND THE MUSIC GOES OUT
FADE
SCENE 4C
INT. DRIVING IN CAR - CONTINUOUS
CHANISE: Ugh. Ugh.
JAYLA: Ms. Chanise, are you okay?
CHANISE: Where am I?
JAYLA: You were kinda lit, so I got you on this one. I'm gonna be your designated driver and get you home safe.
CHANISE: What about my car?
JAYLA: Don’t worry, Jaquan is driving your car. He’s behind us. We talked all night.
FX: JAYLA SQUEALS
JAYLA: So, I have you to thank for getting wasted!
CHANISE: Was I wasted? Last thing I remember is grooving to Digital Underground. I was getting it, right?
JAYLA: Yo, that's where it kicked off. The Humpty Hump totally got you, no cap. Look, you totally slayed, Ms. Chanise, but…
CHANISE: But?
FX: CHANISE GROANS
JAYLA: I guess you leaned back too far and hit your head. Everyone was so worried; we couldn't wake you up. But don’t worry—Jaquan came to the rescue and made sure that you were okay. He’s the one that offered to drive your car home.
CHANISE: Ugh. I knew I shouldn’t have drunk anything. How embarrassing! Well, at least he’s driving safely.
FX: CAR SPEEDS BY
JAYLA: Oh, don’t worry, Ms. Chanise. He’s a great driver. He has a license—it’s just suspended.
CHANISE: Suspended!!!! Pull over! Pull the fuck over, now!
FADE
SCENE 5
INT. BRIANNA’S HOUSE - LATE NIGHT
BRIANNA: Mm, oh, ouch. Okay, what are you doing in there? Mommy’s uncomfortable. (exhales)
FX: GETTING OUT OF BED
BRIANNA: Let me get out of this bed. I think I need a doctor. Let me call Chanise.
FX: DIALS CHANISE. CHANISE VOICEMAIL
BRIANNA: Chanise, pick up.
CHANISE (VOICEMAIL): It’s Chanise. Leave a message.
BRIANNA: Hey Chanise, I’m not feeling that great. I think I’m going to head to the ER. I’m freaking out. If you are available, can you meet me there?
FX: DIALS JAMIE
BRIANNA: Jamie?
FADE
SCENE 5A
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM
FX: ER NOISES
FX: HEART MONITOR BEEPING
FX: RUNNING INTO ROOM
JAMIE: got here as fast as I could. How are you?
BRIANNA: I couldn’t get a hold of anyone.
JAMIE: You reached the right one.
BRIANNA: I was so scared. I thought I was losing them.
FX: DOCTOR PUSHING CURTAIN BACK
DOCTOR: Well, Ms. Styles—oh, is this dad?
JAMIE: Yes, yes I am.
BRIANNA: Yes, he is.
DOCTOR: Wonderful. She’s free to go. The babies are doing fine. The cervix is still nice and closed. If you experience cramping or heavier bleeding, please call your regular doctor. I’ll send a nurse in here to get you all squared away.
JAMIE: Thank you so much, Doctor.
BRIANNA: Yes, thank you.
BRIANNA (V.O.): There’s something about the way Jamie affirms me in every way, no matter the dumb shit I do and it really turns me on when he steps into his role. Not to mention my baby daddy is very handsome.
BRIANNA: Jamie, the babies are kicking. Come feel them.
JAMIE: Oh, I feel them. Daddy is here, babies. It’s going to be okay.
FADE
SCENE 6
INT. HIDDEN HILLS
FX: CHANISE DELIVERING MAIL
CHANISE: (V.O.) Hanging out with Jayla is getting me a reputation. I even failed an exam last week. What am I? 18? I have to buckle down and re-evaluate my shit. I did not come back to college to have a mid-life crisis. I’m going to have to try to avoid Jayla because I can’t be her friend. I just can’t. I have to pass these damn classes so I can level up. She has her whole life ahead of her, and I’m in my second chapter. This has to end well. So, if that means canceling Jayla—SHE’S CANCELED.
FADE