A Lesson Never Learned

A Lesson Never Learned (109) is the ninth episode of the first season of the Younkers series.

Previous Episode: Sooner Than Later (108)

Next Episode: Bring Me To Life (110)

Scene 1
Shannon and Alyssa are sitting in Alyssa's living room.
 * Shannon: How are you really feeling?
 * Alyssa: I didn't think he was actually going to leave.
 * Shannon: Honey, I could've told you this would happen. JJ is not the right kid for you to test limits with. You know CJ would've listened to this kind of thing.
 * Alyssa: I know. I just always thought this kid had some kind of boundary. I didn't think he would go off with Xavier.
 * Shannon: No offense, but he's a little brat.
 * Alyssa: I know that! I don't understand why CJ came out so good and JJ didn't.
 * Shannon: Happens with twins.
 * Alyssa: It didn't happen with yours.
 * Shannon: I don't think it's the same with fraternal twins.
 * Alyssa: Why?
 * Shannon: They don't look alike. They don't need that seperation.
 * Alyssa: Yeah, I guess you're right. Your girls are so well behaved.
 * Shannon: Sweetie, Angie is behaved. She's my CJ. But, you think Jenny is behaved? Me and her argue all the time.
 * Alyssa: About what?
 * Shannon: She's too adventurous. She thinks she can handle the whole world.
 * Alyssa: That's how you were at her age.
 * Shannon: I know, and I don't want her to end up like me. But yeah... don't get confused. Jenny's no walk in the park. I wish she was a little more like Angie. I never have to worry about Angie. Her and CJ just cuddle up under a blanket and watch movies. I don't even worry about them. They're always asking me to watch the movies with them.
 * Alyssa: Really? My son does that? What kid that age does that?
 * Shannon: I don't know. But it's great. I never have to worry about them doing anything. I let them go in Angie's room and bring food or whatever they want.
 * Alyssa: I don't let JJ and Jenny do all of that.
 * Shannon: That's the thing. I would watch movies with CJ and Angie, but I have to go get in JJ and Jenny's way. You step out of the room for one second, and you come back and they're down each other's throats.
 * Alyssa: I'm sorry about him. Jenny deserves so much better.
 * Shannon: I wouldn't say so much better. They're not too far apart.
 * Alyssa: What do you think is gonna be happening with JJ in New York and all?
 * Shannon: Those New York boys are gonna mold him into a little gangster. You know how New York is.
 * Alyssa: How would I know what New York is like?
 * Shannon: You've seen movies. And you know JJ. He's gonna get there, find the first group of idiots that everyone is scared of, and try to impress them.
 * Alyssa: He's gonna become everything I didn't want him to be. There's really no hope now that he's living with Xavier.
 * Shannon: Sorry. At least you still have CJ. Man, when I heard one of the twins was leaving I was praying it was JJ.
 * Alyssa: Yeah, I know you weren't thrilled that he was with Jenny.
 * Shannon: Not just that. I've never seen Angie so happy. I was hoping CJ wasn't leaving.
 * Alyssa: They're something, huh?
 * Shannon: You have to see. It's so cute. He kisses her hand, he does everything she likes to do, he compliments her, he acts like such a little gentleman.
 * Alyssa: I'd like to take credit, but I really have no idea where he got it from.
 * Shannon: Me neither.
 * Alyssa: He watches a lot of TV. That's the only thing I can think of.
 * Shannon: He didn't learn it from his brother.
 * Alyssa: No.
 * Shannon: He definately didn't learn it from his father.
 * Alyssa: Oh no!
 * Shannon: I know he didn't learn it from that group of idiots JJ is always with.
 * Alyssa: Oh, you mean the 50 kids Alexa had?
 * Shannon: I haven't seen Alexa lately.
 * Alyssa: Where did you usually see her?
 * Shannon: Her and her husband lived on my block with all the kids. I never see anybody go in or out of the house. I still see the kids at the school.
 * Alyssa: Yeah, you're right. Didn't she used to bring the younger ones to school?
 * Shannon: That's what I'm saying. They still get there.
 * Alyssa: Last week, when we were looking for JJ, we checked the house. Nobody was home.
 * Shannon: That's weird. I hope Alexa's okay.
 * Alyssa: Who knows. Her and her husband are kinda nuts.
 * Shannon: Yeah. Anyway, how's CJ taking this whole thing?
 * Alyssa: You know, it's weird. He's been kinda sad.
 * Shannon: Really? I didn't think they got along.
 * Alyssa: They didn't. I don't know. CJ had kind of a complicated relationship with both of them so I can see why this is difficult.
 * Shannon: Both of them?
 * Alyssa: Well, you know about him and JJ not always seeing eye to eye.
 * Shannon: Yeah...
 * Alyssa: Xavier used to hurt him. A lot.
 * Shannon: What?
 * Alyssa: CJ would always come home with these bruises everywhere, and sometimes he would have head damage.
 * Shannon: Oh my god. Are you serious? Why didn't you do anything?
 * Alyssa: You know how Xavier is. I tried to get his visitation taken away, but he's the father.
 * Shannon: So they let him get away with whatever he wants?
 * Alyssa: Basically. You think I want that man beating up my child?
 * Shannon: "Man". Girl, that ain't no man. That's a sorry excuse for a man. You know I didn't like him to begin with, but he was over here beating up my son in law and going on like everything's fine?
 * Alyssa: Your son in law?
 * Shannon: Oh, I hope you know we're gonna be in laws.
 * Alyssa: They're not even teenagers yet.
 * Shannon: They're going to be. I love that kid. I hope she stays smart and stays with him.
 * Alyssa: Shannon, you're reading way too much into this. They're just kids.
 * Shannon: I know. But you of all people should know that these things happen. Remember how young you were when you met Xavier?
 * Alyssa: Yes, and I'm hoping it's not the same thing.
 * Shannon: What? You don't want our kids to go on and get married and be high school sweethearts?
 * Alyssa: Remember how great Xavier was back then?
 * Shannon: I don't ever remember Xavier being great.
 * Alyssa: Because he spent all his time with me. He's not like what you're saying about CJ but he was acting like a real gentleman. Then we got into a serious, long term relationship and everything went down hill from there. I know you love CJ. I love Angie. I don't want CJ to go crazy and-
 * Shannon: End up like Xavier? That's not fair to do that to CJ.
 * Alyssa: But sometimes, he really does remind me of Xavier.
 * Shannon: I see nothing about him that resembles Xavier other than a few facial features. That's it. I wouldn't be worried about CJ. I'd be worried about JJ. God knows what he's doing right now.

Scene 2
JJ is sitting alone on a flight of stairs. He is tearing. A tall guy comes up to him.
 * Tall guy: What's good?
 * JJ: What's up?
 * Tall guy: I'm Darnell.
 * JJ: Darnell?
 * Darnell: Yeah. You ain't never heard of me?
 * JJ: Should I?
 * Darnell: What you mean should you? I'm the best baller out here?
 * JJ: What you play? Basketball?
 * Darnell: Hell no, I don't play no basketball. I play football.
 * JJ: Oh. I like basketball. Sorry.
 * Darnell: I watch basketball. I just don't play it. Who's your team?
 * JJ: I mean, it's not my hometown team, but the Lakers.
 * Darnell: Oh. You a Kobe fan, huh?
 * JJ: Yeah.
 * Darnell: I'm a Knicks fan. But we ain't doing nothing. I like watching the Celtics. Where you live, boy?
 * JJ: I don't know.
 * Darnell: What you mean you don't know? Ain't gonna rob you.
 * JJ: I know. But I really don't know where I live. Me and my dad just moved here, and he said he was getting gas at that station over there, and told me to go get food, and when I came back out, he was gone. Maybe he's coming back.
 * Darnell: He ain't coming back, bro. He ran out on you. My pops did the same thing.
 * JJ: He wouldn't just do it out of nowhere.
 * Darnell: Mine did. Crazy thing is, I put him over my mom. I thought he was gonna have my back. But he ain't have my back. He stabbed it.
 * JJ: Sorry to hear that.
 * Darnell: Where you about to go?
 * JJ: I'm gonna wait for him to come back.
 * Darnell: You can wait all you want. I'm telling you, he ain't coming back.
 * JJ: What if he does?
 * Darnell: I'm still asking myself that. What if he don't come?
 * JJ: Why?
 * Darnell: You could stay up in my crib with the fam.
 * JJ: For real? Your family would be okay with that.
 * Darnell: Man, they'd welcome you. You'd fit right in.
 * JJ: Let's go then.

Scene 3
CJ and Harrison are walking to CJ's house after school.
 * Harrison: You know what my favorite thing about school was?
 * CJ: Justin not being there?
 * Harrison: YES!
 * CJ: Okay man. You must've said that 18 times in the last hour. I get it. You're happy he's not here. So am I. Now just shut up, or talk about something else.
 * Harrison: Fine. What happened with Angie?
 * CJ: Everything's fine.
 * Harrison: Good. When's the next time you're going to her house?
 * CJ: Tonight.
 * Harrison: You're going at night?
 * CJ: Yeah, I'm sleeping over.
 * Harrison: Her mom's letting you sleep over her house?
 * CJ: Dude, her mom loves me.
 * Harrison: Enough to let you sleep over her house?
 * CJ: I'm not even sure she's gonna let me leave. She calls me her son in law.
 * Harrison: Why does she like you so much?
 * CJ: Gee, thanks.
 * Harrison: Well, I mean, I know you're cool. But why does she, in particular, like you so much?
 * CJ: I don't know. I'm just glad she does. She didn't like JJ at all.
 * Harrison: Shocker.
 * CJ: I know right.
 * Harrison: I bet he didn't even know why her mom didn't like him.
 * CJ: Oh god. Come on. He's my brother and I don't even complain about him this much.
 * Harrison: He bullied me for weeks.
 * CJ: He's not doing it anymore, is he? Let it go already.
 * Harrison: Jeez, when did you become his biggest fan?
 * CJ: I'm sorry, I just haven't talked to him since he left. I kinda miss him.
 * Harrison: You miss him?!
 * CJ: He's my brother. Cut me some slack.
 * Harrison: Yeah, I get it.
 * CJ: Nobody else has said they've talked to him either.
 * Harrison: Well, why don't you ask?
 * CJ: Wouldn't they have told me?
 * Harrison: Probably not. They only used to talk to you because you were his brother. Now they have no obligation.
 * CJ: Wow, is it really that terrible to talk to me?
 * Harrison: No. They're just asses. You know how it is. Just ask them.
 * CJ: They're not really my favorite people.
 * Harrison: You can't just call him yourself?
 * CJ: Then I'd have to call my dad.
 * Harrison: So? What's the big deal? I don't hear you talk about him, actually. He moved away too. Don't you miss him?
 * CJ: I'll just ask Jace tomorrow.
 * Harrison: Wait, did you hear me?
 * CJ: You know sometimes no sound speaks volumes?

Seson 4
Alyssa is sitting on the couch, watching TV. She is looking at her phone, as if she wants to call someone. Finally, she picks up her phone and dials a number. Xavier hangs up.
 * Alyssa: Hello.
 * Xavier: Hey, what's up?
 * Alyssa: Can I talk to Justin?
 * Xavier: Um, why?
 * Alyssa: I know it's weird. But... he's my son. You know? I kinda miss him. How is he? Does he not want to talk to me?
 * Xavier: You know... I'm not sure.
 * Alyssa: Can you just put him on the phone for a second?
 * Xavier: I uh... I can't.
 * Alyssa: Why?
 * Xavier: He's busy.
 * Alyssa: Busy doing what?
 * Xavier: He's on the phone with his Jace friend. You know how that is.
 * Alyssa: What phone is he using? You're on the phone.
 * Xavier: Yeah, can I call you back?
 * Alyssa: He's not with you is he?
 * Xavier: Well... not exactly.
 * Alyssa: Where did he go?
 * Xavier: He... went to his friend's house.
 * Alyssa: Oh. Why didn't you just say that?
 * Xavier: I don't know. I'm just really tired.
 * Alyssa: I get it. There's a lot of unpacking to do. How's New York?
 * Xavier: Pretty good, can't complain.
 * Alyssa: What part are you in?
 * Xavier: The Bronx.
 * Alyssa: Oh. Remember I lived there when I went to college?
 * Xavier: Oh yeah.
 * Alyssa: Where are you staying?
 * Xavier: Um... you know... 10th street?
 * Alyssa: 10th street? That can't be the Bronx.
 * Xavier: Why do you ask so many questions?
 * Alyssa: Do you not want me to know where you guys live?
 * Xavier: Yeah, not really.
 * Alyssa: Fine, whatever. I was just trying to make small talk.
 * Xavier: What do we need small talk for?
 * Alyssa: You're such an ass, you know that? You have custody of my kid. I was just trying to make this comfortable for both of us but you're-
 * Xavier: Your kid? This is my kid.
 * Alyssa: Really? What's his favorite food?
 * Xavier: Oh. Potato salad?
 * Alyssa: That was the worst guess I've ever heard. What kid's favorite food is potato salad?
 * Xavier: Oh my god. So I don't know his favorite food. You know I've been wanting a kid since I was one.
 * Alyssa: When did you stop being one?
 * Xavier: I knew something like that was coming.
 * Alyssa: You just had to know.
 * Xavier: But you remember. I've always wanted a kid like Justin. A kid that wanted to be just like me. And I'm not gonna let you take that away from me?
 * Alyssa: Yeah. I know. Just take care of him... please? Don't take him for granted. I didn't realize how much I'd miss him until he wasn't here anymore.
 * Xavier: ...Thanks. I gotta go.
 * Alyssa: Alright. When he gets home, tell him he can call me if he wants to.
 * Xavier: Alright, take care.
 * Alyssa: So you're not even gonna ask how CJ is-

Season 5
JJ and Darnell are in Darnell's apartment. Darnell's friends, Alex and Chris, are in the apartment as well. They all look surprised. They all laugh. They all laugh louder. Alex and Chris hold back laughter.
 * JJ: Lemme ask you something.
 * Darnell: Wassup?
 * JJ: I can't remember my friend's phone number.
 * Chris: You got him on Facebook?
 * JJ: I don't have a Facebook account.
 * Alex: Who's your boy?
 * JJ: His name's Jace.
 * Darnell: Jace? What kind of name is that?
 * Chris: It ain't like he named him.
 * JJ: I don't think he has a Facebook?
 * Darnell: How much you wanna bet he do?
 * JJ: I really doubt it.
 * Alex: (ready to type on his laptop) What's his name?
 * JJ: Jace Bell.
 * Darnell: At least his last name's type normal.
 * Alex: Word. I thought it was gonna be something funny. Oh, is this him right here? Has two brothers? (reading the screen) Lance and Chase?
 * Chris: Lance, Jace, and Chase?
 * Darnell: Nice.
 * JJ: Yeah, that's him. Can I message him?
 * Alex: Aye man, that's not my boy. Make your own account.
 * JJ: Can I do it on that?
 * Alex: Yeah, go ahead. (gives JJ the laptop)
 * Chris: So what's your story?
 * JJ: What do you mean?
 * Alex: We're all here for a reason.
 * JJ: How long have you guys lived together?
 * Darnell: They lived together since they was like 15. Right?
 * Chris: Yeah.
 * Darnell: I moved in last year.
 * JJ: Why?
 * Darnell: I got kicked out.
 * JJ: Why?
 * Darnell: Z, damn it! So many questions.
 * Alex: You still sensitive about this? Chill out. He just wants to know why.
 * Chris: He got into mad fights.
 * Alex: And sold bud.
 * JJ: Oh, I get it.
 * Darnell: How old are you?
 * JJ: 12.
 * Chris: DAMN! Where you found him at?
 * Alex: Daycare.
 * Darnell: Found him at Chuck E. Cheese.
 * Alex: Pokemon convention.
 * JJ: Nah, he found me outside on the steps.
 * Alex: That's his spot.
 * JJ: What you mean?
 * Chris: Aye, he's not ready for that. He's just a boy.
 * JJ: I probably know more than you guys.
 * Alex: Oh hell no. Darnell set him straight real fast.
 * JJ: Chill. (steps back)
 * Alex: Not like that.
 * Darnell: You ever took a girl out her man's hands and made her forget his name the next day?
 * Alex: Hell nah.
 * Darnell: Answer the question.
 * JJ: No.
 * Darnell: You ever made the good girl the nastiest freak on the block?
 * JJ: No.
 * Darnell: Man, how many girls you even been with?
 * JJ: One.
 * Alex: Don't be telling the master anything about this. You a rookie.
 * Darnell: He ain't even drafted yet.
 * Alex: He playing D2 ball telling Kobe what the game's about. Stay in your lane, oad.
 * JJ: Oad?
 * Alex: One and done.
 * JJ: Done? I'll be damned.
 * Alex: We'll see.
 * Darnell: We'll see what you got.

Scene 6
CJ and Harrison are walking in the hallway, and see Jace about to go into one of his classes. Jace brings both of them aside to the other hallway. Jace leaves. They start walking to class.
 * CJ: Jace!
 * Jace: What's up?
 * CJ: Have you heard from JJ?
 * Jace: Oh. Yeah. Listen, I gotta go to class.
 * CJ: I know, just tell me. How's he doing?
 * Jace: I'll talk to you later.
 * CJ: No, tell me.
 * Harrison: I think he knows something.
 * Jace: This isn't even your business.
 * CJ: Just tell me. Please.
 * Jace: (looks around) Okay, come here.
 * Jace: You guys can't tell anyone this. Cam, I know you won't. Harrison, if you tell anybody about this, I'm gonna kick your ass.
 * Harrison: Well, I wonder what that would feel like. Probably familiar.
 * Jace: You know what, maybe I shouldn't-
 * CJ: No, no! He's not gonna tell anyone. If he even tries, I'll kick his ass for you. Now talk.
 * Harrison: Hey!
 * CJ: Shut up for a second. Talk.
 * Jace: Okay. (looks around again) Your dad... left him.
 * CJ: What?
 * Harrison: Oh my god.
 * Jace: He brought him to some gas station and told him to go get food, then drove away.
 * Harrison: That's crazy. I can't believe this.
 * CJ: I can.
 * Jace: I didn't know your dad was like this.
 * CJ: He's a lot worse than that.
 * Harrison: That's why you don't like your dad?
 * CJ: Well, that added fuel to the fire. But that's not the original reason.
 * Harrison: So wait, where's JJ staying?
 * CJ: Yeah.
 * Jace: Some guys.
 * CJ: Who?
 * Jace: I don't know. He said it's three guys that are like 20.
 * Harrison: Is he paying rent or something?
 * Jace: I have no idea. I don't see where he would get the money.
 * CJ: I don't know. This is crazy. Wait, I can't tell my mom?
 * Jace: I don't know. Ask him.
 * CJ: How am I gonna ask him? How did you even get in touch with him? He's not with my dad.
 * Jace: On Facebook?
 * Harrison: On what?
 * Jace: He has a Facebook account. You can talk to him too if you get one.
 * CJ: Thanks. I'm gonna try to get in touch with him tonight. Is he okay though?
 * Jace: He sounded kinda scared. He really needs you right now as a brother.
 * CJ: Thanks so much.
 * Jace: Yeah. I gotta go to class.
 * Harrison: That's the most human I've ever heard him.
 * CJ: I know. I've never heard him sound so sincere.
 * Harrison: He always sounds like he's trying to joke around or something, right?
 * CJ: Yeah. It's weird when he's serious.
 * Harrison: So you're gonna make that Facebook account?
 * CJ: Yeah.
 * Harrison: You were kidding about the whole kicking my ass thing right?
 * CJ: I'm not gonna kick your ass. Unless you tell people.
 * Harrison: You wouldn't kick my ass.
 * CJ: Oh really? You think I didn't learn anything growing up with JJ and his friends?
 * Harrison: I didn't really mean it like that. I meant you wouldn't because I'm your friend.
 * CJ: If you tell people, you wouldn't be my friend.
 * Harrison: I guess not. I thought you didn't even like him.
 * CJ: You can't understand unless you have a brother or sister.
 * Harrison: I'm glad I don't.

Trivia

 * This episode is named after "A Lesson Never Learned" by Asking Alexandria.
 * This marks the first appearance of Darnell, Chris, and Alex.