Larry’s Final Warning to Isaiah’s Mom
The house is unusually quiet. Brooke sits on the couch, staring at the floor. Her college plans have suddenly become uncertain, and Larry can tell something is wrong.
Larry
Brooke, I need you to tell me the truth. Why don’t you want to go to college anymore?
Brooke stays silent. Larry’s expression turns more serious.
Larry
Is this about Isaiah?
Brooke slowly looks up. She doesn’t answer — but her silence tells him everything.
Larry
So you’re really thinking about giving up college because of a boy?
Brooke
Dad, it’s complicated.
Larry
No, Brooke. It’s not complicated. You have a future ahead of you. You worked hard to get here — and now you’re letting Isaiah become the reason you walk away from it?
Brooke
I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do anymore.
Larry
You’re supposed to think about yourself. Not Isaiah. Not what he wants. Not what he says. Your future comes first.
Larry suddenly remembers something he recently learned.
Larry
I heard Isaiah went to prom with you twice.
Brooke
Dad, I never wanted things to turn out like this.
Larry
But they did. And I’m not going to sit here and watch you destroy your future over somebody who has already caused you so much pain.
Larry grabs his keys.
Brooke
Where are we going?
Larry
We’re going to Isaiah’s house.
Brooke
Dad, please—
Larry
No. I need answers.
Larry’s car pulls up. Brooke sits quietly beside him. He turns off the engine and looks at her.
Larry
Stay close to me.
Brooke nods. They walk to the door. Larry knocks firmly. After a moment, it opens — Isaiah’s mother stands there, surprised.
Isaiah’s Mom
Larry? Is everything okay?
Larry
I need to talk to you about Isaiah.
Isaiah’s Mom
He isn’t home right now.
Larry
I figured he might not be. But I still need you to hear what I have to say.
She steps aside and lets them in.
They sit down. Isaiah’s mother sits across from them. Larry remains serious.
Larry
I just found out that Brooke doesn’t want to go to college because of Isaiah.
Isaiah’s Mom
Brooke, is that true?
Brooke
I don’t know anymore. I feel like everything has gotten too complicated.
Larry
That’s exactly why I’m here. Brooke has a future. An opportunity to go to college. And now she’s talking about giving it all up because of what’s happening with Isaiah.
Isaiah’s Mom
I didn’t know things had gotten this serious.
Larry
It is serious. And then I found out Isaiah went to prom with Brooke twice.
Isaiah’s Mom
Twice?
Larry
Yes. And after everything Brooke has already gone through, I’m not going to let this situation keep getting worse.
Larry softens his voice for Brooke.
Larry
Brooke, nobody is saying you don’t have feelings. I understand that you care about him. But caring about someone doesn’t mean giving up your entire future for them.
Brooke
I understand, Dad.
Larry turns back to Isaiah’s mother, his tone firm again.
Larry
I’m asking you as his mother to talk to him.
Isaiah’s Mom
I will. I promise.
Larry
This is not about me trying to control Brooke’s life. This is about protecting my daughter. If Isaiah wants to be part of her life, he needs to treat her with respect. He cannot keep pulling her into situations that are hurting her.
Isaiah’s Mom
I understand where you’re coming from.
Larry
Then please make sure Isaiah understands it too. I don’t want another situation where Brooke is crying, missing school, or changing her future because of him.
Larry places a hand on Brooke’s shoulder.
Larry
You have worked too hard to get where you are. Don’t let anybody convince you that your dreams have to disappear because a relationship didn’t work out.
Brooke
I’m sorry, Dad.
Larry
You don’t have to apologize for being hurt. You just have to remember who you are.
Larry stands, looking directly at Isaiah’s mother.
Larry
And I’m giving Isaiah one final warning. If he starts messing with Brooke again, or puts her through the same kind of situation all over again, I’m going to take this much further. I will involve the proper authorities if there is a genuine issue that requires police involvement. I don’t want things to reach that point. But I need Isaiah to understand that I’m serious. This is my final warning.
Isaiah’s Mom
I’ll talk to him. I promise you.
Larry
Good. Because I don’t want to come back here angry. I want Brooke to move forward with her life.
He turns to Brooke.
Larry
Come on. We’re going home.
Before leaving, Brooke looks back.
Brooke
I’m sorry this got so complicated.
Isaiah’s Mom
You don’t have to apologize, sweetheart. Take care of yourself.
Larry and Brooke walk toward the car.
Brooke
Dad?
Larry
Yeah?
Brooke
Thank you for caring about me.
Larry’s anger finally begins to fade.
Larry
I’m always going to care about you. That’s what fathers do.
Brooke hugs Larry. He hugs her back. They walk to the car together. Behind them, Isaiah’s mother closes the front door, already thinking about the conversation she’ll have with Isaiah when he returns. The car pulls away — Larry looking ahead, determined to make sure Brooke doesn’t give up on her future.