FADE IN:
INT. Desmond Manor living room – AFTERNOON
A relaxing Saturday afternoon at Desmond Manor. A barefoot NIKKI DESMOND 16, in designer jeans and a white buttondown blouse is sitting on the sofa painting her toenails to the beat of the song on her discman as–
BAM! Her smiling father DONALD DESMOND, 45, dressed in golf gear strolls in followed by his caddy RUMSFELD, 61. They’re both glowing about the game they played until–
DONALD
Man, I can’t believe I shot a 64 today. I was on fire!
Rumsfeld
You did have an amazing game on the links sir. Even Arnold Palmer would be envious of your play today.
DONALD
I can’t wait to hit the links tomorrow. Maybe I’ll shoot a 62–
Donald notices his daughter laid out on the sofa. He grimaces as he inquires–
DONALD
Nikki, is this what you’ve been doing all day?
Nikki takes off her headphones and answers his question.
Nikki
Yeah, pretty much.
DONALD
It’s a nice sunny day. You should be out doing something productive.
NIKKi
I was doing something productive. I’m painting a red nail color that matches with the Mauve checks on my outfit for school on Monday.
Donald gives his daughter a grimace.
DONALD
That’s not what I meant by productive Nicole.
NIKKI
Dad, it’s Saturday. I shouldn’t have to do anything on a Saturday–
RUMSFELD
Your father does have a point Miss Desmond. Idle hands are The Devil’s workshop.
NIKKI
Hands can’t get into trouble if they’re being painted Rumsfeld.
donald
I don’t want you lying around the house like this. I want you out doing something significant with your time.
NIKKI
This is significant. Wearing the wrong nail polish can throw off an entire outfit.
donald
I believe you can be more productive volunteering at the community center.
Nikki gives her Dad a look.
NIKKI
Er…that sounds like work.
donald
Volunteering will be good for you. It’ll expose you to the experiences of others.
RUMSFELD
Sir, are we sure we wish to expose the people at the community center to the experience of Miss Desmond?
NIKKI
Rumsfeld has a point. We don’t want to traumatize the poor people–
donald
And you promised me you’d volunteer on the weekends and afterschool after you got fired from Old Red.
Nikki remembers.
NIKKi
Crap, I thought you’d forgotten about that little incident–
donald
Nope. Just waiting for the right time to bring it up.
NIKKI
Unfortunately a deal was a deal. And I can’t go without shopping.
donald
Glad to see you’re going to honor your promise to me. It shows a lot of integrity.
NIKKI
Integrity is a sacrifice I’m willing to make to get clothes. When do you want me to start suffering?
donald
I’ll pick you up afterschool on Monday.
DISSOLVE TO:
MONDAY
INT. SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTER REC ROOM – AFTERNOON
A rundown community center in South Central where kids hang out, play video games and do homework. A well-dressed Nikki in a Mauve suit, matching hat, and heels along with her well-dressed Dad are walked through the center by EUNICE BROOKS 40, a harried hardworking community activist in rumpled business clothes. She gives them the official story–
EUNICE
Thanks for coming down to the South Central Community Center Mr. Desmond. What made your daughter Nicole want to volunteer with us?
A surly Nikki rolls her eyes and gives Ms. Brooks her official story.
NIKKI
Discipline, character, and all the crap that’ll make me a better person tomorrow by ruining my life today. What do you want me to do?
Nikki’s Dad spins Nikki’s sarcasm into something positive.
DONALD
What Nicole means is that she hopes to get a better understanding of her community and hopes to help enrich others with her experiences Eunice.
Nikki is a bit more blunt.
NIKKI
(Checking watch)
I’ll enrich the urchins’ lives until six. Then I’m off the clock.
Eunice smiles at Nikki and keeps it positive.
EUNICE
Well, we need help with a lot of things until then. What are you good at Nicole?
NIKKI
Shopping, fashion design, and interior decorating. This room could use some curtains and some track lighting to liven it up–
Eunice has something simpler in mind for Nikki to do.
EUNICE
How about fractions? Some of the kids could use some help with their homework. They’ve got a test tomorrow.
A resigned Nikki tries to make the best of a bad situation as–
NIKKI
At least it isn’t algebra. Where are the urchins?
donald
I’ll be back to pick you up at six.
Nikki’s Dad leaves as Eunice walks Nikki over to–
A TABLE in the center of the room
Where fifth grade schoolbooks are sprawled all over the table KENDRA, CHERYL, VICTORIA and MONISA, 10 are hardworking elementary school kids in trendy store-brand school clothes doing their homework. The kids light up as Eunice introduces them to Nikki.
EUNICE
Girls, this is Nicole. She’s going to help you with your Math homework.
A surly Nikki drops her Louis Vuitton backpack and is ready to get to work. The kids are in awe of her. She pastes on a smile before she addresses them.
NIKKI
Hi, I’m Nicole. I’m going to help you with your fractions.
The kids like Nikki. One of them asks–
KENDRA
You smell nice. How old are you?
Nikki lights up at the compliment.
NIKKI
Thank you. I’m sixteen.
KENDRA
You’re as old as my sister.
VICTORIA
What type of perfume are you wearing?
Nikki
Chanel No.5.
VICTORIA
Wow, that’s the perfume the rich people wear on TV!
CHERYL
Are those diamond earrings?
NIKKI
Yeah.
CHERYL
My brother wears an earring like yours. But his aren’t as big or as clear as yours.
Nikki
Probably cubic Zirconias.
KENDRA
What’s a Cubic Zirconia?
Nikki
A cubic Zirconia is a fake diamond. It sparkles, but it’s not worth anything.
CHERYL
But my brother paid $500.00 for his earring.
Nikki takes off one of her earrings and hands it to Cheryl.
Nikki
He paid too much. You can see through real diamonds like mine.
Cheryl is in awe of Nikki’s earring before she hands it back to her.
CHERYL
Wow. They’re bigger than my brother’s–
Nikki
It’s a whole carat.
As Nikki puts back on her earring Victoria inquires–
VICTORIA
Why are you wearing a suit?
NIKKi
I like to dress for school.
Victoria
Dress? But nobody wears a suit to school–
Nikki smiles as she explains her style to Victoria.
nikki
When you dress up, you feel better about yourself. Helps you do better
in class too.
VICTORIA
Do all the kids in high school dress like you?
Nikki realizes she’s being distracted by too many questions.
NIKKI
Only the cool ones. Hey-I thought I was supposed to be helping you guys with your homework, not talking about me.
KENDRA
But you’re cooler than fractions Nicole.
NIKKi
But without fractions you won’t be able to make it to next grade. If you don’t make it to the next grade you won’t be able to wear cool stuff like I do.
Upon hearing Nikki’s advice the girls eagerly grab their books and Nikki starts a lesson on fractions. Time flies until the clock on the wall reads–
6:45
When Nikki’s Dad and Eunice are surprised to see Nikki is actively involved with tutoring the kids. He proudly smiles as he approaches her–
donald
Nikki I’m sorry I’m late. Rumsfeld and I got caught in traffic–
Nikki peers up at her watch. Six forty five–
NIKKI
Oh man, I didn’t know it was that late! I guess I got caught up showing everyone of how to multiply fractions.
EUNICE
I thought you would have hurried out of here a half hour ago. You did say the clock was ticking.
Nikki smiles back at Eunice and tells her–
NIkki
I don’t mind a little overtime.
Nikki turns to the girls and placates their forlorn expressions with her smile–
NIKKI
Well guys, I have to go. Got my own homework to do. But I’ll see you tomorrow.
The kids smile back at Nikki and tell her–
KIDS
(In Unison)
Bye Nikki.
Nikki’s and her Dad head out of the community center into–
INT. ROLLS ROYCE BACKSEAT – EVENING
Where her proud Dad inquires about her day. She’s eager to share her experiences with him as Rumsfeld drives off.
donald
So how’d it’ go today?
NIKKI
It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The kids are okay.
DoNALD
See? I told you volunteering was going to be a great experience for you.
Nikki doesn’t want her father to get too excited.
NIKKi
Hey, I just started this job. I’m not changing into some soft hippy chick because I help some urchins. I’m only in this for the clothes.
Nikki’s Dad smiles as they head home. A few–
DAYS LATER
INT. SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTER REC ROOM – AFTERNOON
Nikki rushes in enthusiastic to volunteer. She’s surprised by–
The girls dressed in their Sunday best clothes.
Nikki
Hey girls, what’s up with the Church clothes?
CHERYL
We wanted to dress like you do for school.
The girls present their test papers. All perfect grades.
Nikki
Awww…that’s so cool. I’ve got my own set of mini-mes.
Kendra
And we all got hundreds on our math tests.
Nikki is happy for the girls.
NIKKI
That’s great! Our hard work paid off couple of days ago. So what are you guys doing for homework today?
Nikki is about to get to work when–
A saddened Eunice approaches her.
EUNICE
Nicole, can I see you for a moment?
Nikki follows Eunice into the–
LOBBY
Where Nikki inquires–
Nikki
What’s going on Eunice?
EUNICE
Nicole, you’ve been great. The kids have made a lot of progress in the short time you’ve been tutoring them but–
A reluctant Eunice looks over at–
Four haggard working poor SINGLE MOMS, mid–late 20s sitting in the reception area. Bitter and angry, they cut a cold glare at Nikki as they jump off the sofa–
EUNICE
Some of the girls’ parents have some issues with–
Before Eunice can finish one of the parents’ lets her have it with both barrels.
PARENT#2
Is this the rich heifer filling my daughter’s head with nonsense?
Nikki keeps it professional. She extends her hand–
Nikki
Yes. I’m Nicole. What issues are you having with me?
Parent #1 isn’t impressed with Nikki’s professionalism.
PArent #2
Look at her all proper. Talkin’ like some White girl–
Nikki takes offense as the women surround her–
Nikki
It’s not White to use proper diction–
Parent #3
(Mocking Nikki)
It’s not White to use proper diction. Listen to the spoiled Beverly Hills Princess. Sound just like a White girl.
PARENT #4
We probably the first real Black people she ever seen in her life.
The women nod their heads in agreement as a confused Nikki tries to figure out why they’re angry with her.
NIKKI
What’s your problem with me? I just helped your daughter with her homework–
Parent #1
My problem is you coming down here telling my daughter your ol’ uppity nonsense. Got her thinking she has to dress up for school–
Nikki
You’re supposed to care about your appearance–
Parent #2
No, you just want to come down here and rub our nose in your money rich girl. Showing my daughter your ol’ diamonds–
PARENT #3
They look like cheap glass to me–
Nikki
I’m not showing off. This is how I dress for school–
PARENT #3
Dress? Who the hell wears high heels and a suit to school? Bougie snob–
Nikki gets defensive.
Nikki
Bougie? Look, you don’t even know me–
Eunice tries to interject some order into the heated confrontation.
EUNICE
Ladies, please, there’s no need to be so hostile. She’s just sixteen–
Parent #3
I was sixteen when I had my daughter! I don’t need this bougie heifer filln’ my daughter’s head with all her Beverly Hills White girl nonsense. It ain’t gonna help her on these streets out here–
EUNICE
What Nicole has to offer everyone here is exposure to a different experience–
PARENT #2
Experience? Please. What you need to do is get some real Black people from the streets to volunteer up in here–
An angry Nikki interjects–
NIKKI
I’m just as Black as you are–
PARENT #2
No you ain’t. Ain’t nothing real about you. From your weave to your designer clothes, you ain’t nothing but a chocolate covered White girl.
Nikki
Chocolate covered White girl? What are you talking about–
PARENT #3
(In a fake Valley Girl voice)
Maybe we’re like speaking ebonics to her. Maybe we like, you know, need to break it down to her in like, her language so like she can understand–
The first parent gets right in Nikki’s face.
PARENT#1
Let me put it to you in plain simple English Bougie Princess. We don’t want you around our daughters.
Nikki is shocked by the cruelty shown her.
Nikki
What did I do to them? I just helped them with their homework–
Parent #1
You best raise up before you get sprayed up.
There’s an intense staredown. Eunice ends the confrontation after the threat–
EUNICE
Look, you don’t have to threaten her–
But the message is received.
Nikki
No, you don’t have to threaten me. I’ll just go.
Eunice
Nikki, I can assign you another job in the office–
Nikki
No, it’s clear people like me aren’t wanted around here.
The parents smile as a resigned Nikki shuffles out of the Community center back to–
INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON
Where a confused Nikki shuffles into the house as–
Her concerned father gets off the phone.
DONALD
–She’s coming in right now. Thanks Eunice.
Nikki flops on the sofa still trying to figure things out as her father approaches her.
DONALD
Nicole, I just got off the phone with–
Nikki
What did I do to make them so angry with me? All I did was help the kids with their homework–
Nikki’s father gives her an earnest look.
donald
You didn’t do anything wrong Nicole. But what happened today is hard to explain–
A confused Nikki rambles as she tries to figure it out.
Nikki
What’s to explain? I don’t think I talk like a White girl? I mean, I talk like this all the time. There’s no pretense. This is my regular voice–
Nikki’s Dad takes her hand. He tries to explain things–
donald
Nicole, you don’t talk like a White girl. You talk like you. And there’s nothing wrong with who you are.
Nikki
Then why were those parents so mad at me?
donald
Well, we come from a different cultural experience than the parents at the community center. Some of the parents there don’t understand that–
NIKKi
I don’t understand it. I mean, I can’t help how I grew up. Why were they so mad at me for being myself?
DONALD
Because they’ve never seen anyone Black look and act the way you do–
NIKKI
I act like this because you sent me to finishing school, and Mom sent me to boarding school. What makes that White?
DONALD
It doesn’t make it White Nicole. Unfortunately many of the poor people you encountered didn’t get the opportunities you had, so they don’t understand where someone like you is coming from–
NIKKI
But just because I went to those places doesn’t make me a chocolate covered White girl. It’s not right that they judge me by what they think my experiences are–
DONALD
Unfortunately some people’s prejudices only allow them to see only one shade of Black. They don’t understand that African– Americans come in many shades of brown and we come from many different experiences outside of the ghetto.
NIKKI
But that’s not right they judge me like that. I mean I’m just as Black as anyone else. Not every “real” Black person comes from the streets–
Nikki is interrupted by–
EUNICE
And that’s something you should share with everyone at the community center.
Eunice who walks in behind Rumsfeld in his driving uniform.
DONALD
I asked Eunice to come over. She wanted to talk to you personally after what happened.
Nikki is willing to hear her out.
EUNICE
I’d really like to apologize for what you experienced today at the community center today Nicole.
Nikki
You don’t have to apologize. It wasn’t your fault.
Eunice
And it wasn’t yours either. I don’t’ want this to stop you from volunteering with us. You have a lot to offer us–
Nikki
Not really. You heard the parents. They want a real Black person to help their kids, not me–
Eunice
I see those real people every day. And a lot of them need to hear from people like you.
Nikki
But I’m not from the streets–
EUNICE
Nicole, your experiences growing up here in Beverly Hills are just as real as anything those parents have experienced in down in South Central. I think everyone in our neighborhood could learn a lot from you.
Nikki
What? That I got kicked out of four boarding schools–
Eunice
That you went there. Not that many people where I’m from even know what a private school looks like.
NIKKI
And I experienced racism in those places too. White girls starting fights with me, telling me I didn’t belong there, and Black public school kids telling me I’m not Black enough for them. It’s just so confusing at times. Sometimes I wonder what is Black anyway?
Rumsfeld chimes in with some words of wisdom.
RUMSFELD
Black is who you are on the inside Miss Desmond. It’s the content of a person’s character that makes them our brothers and sisters, not the color of their skin.
Nikki
And I guess I’m going to have to show some character and keep volunteering in the face of threats of bodily harm from angry parents.
DONALD
Dr. King and the brothers and sisters who participated in the Civil Rights Movement endured much worse so that we could enjoy the freedom to take advantage of these opportunities Nicole. The least you could do for the kids is keep volunteering so that they can understand how important their freedom is.
NIKKI
But they threatened me–
EUNICE
I’ll make sure that you’re safe when you’re coming and going from the center.
RUMSFELD
And I’ll pick you up personally when you’re ready to leave.
With the support of everyone Nikki makes her decision.
NIKKI
I guess the sacrifice I’m making by volunteering is bigger than getting some clothes. Blasted character is going to ruin my life.
DONALD
I’m really proud of you Nicole.
Nikki turns to Eunice and tells her–
NIkki
I’ll be back tomorrow afterschool.
A resigned Nikki contemplates her choice the–
NEXT DAY
INT. SOuth central community center lobby – AFTERNOON
Where she strolls into the lobby and is ready to work until–
She runs afoul of the gang of four bringing their daughters in afterschool. The kids light up upon seeing her but she’s greeted with eyerolls and sucked teeth as the parents circle around her again.
PARENT #1
I thought we made it clear you weren’t welcome here.
Across the room–
Eunice is about to step in. But Nikki is ready for the parents and lets them have it as only she can.
Nikki
Last time I checked you weren’t the Director around here. So unless your name is Eunice Brooks you don’t get to decide who volunteers here.
Afraid of the defiant Nikki, one of the immature parents calls out to–
PARENT #2
Ms Brooks! Ms. Brooks! Ms. Brooks, I do not want my child being tutored by this heifer–
KENDRA
But mommy, I wanna do homework with Nikki–
Eunice steps in so the kids won’t hear the fighting.
EUNICE
Kids, go into the rec room and start your homework.
Nikki reassures them with a kind smile. The kids head off into the next room as–
NIkki
Yeah, you don’t need to hear this.
The parents get Nikki’s face. Eunice has her back.
PARENT #1
Look, I don’t want my daughter working with this–
EUNICE
So Nicole doesn’t work with her. It’s your loss.
PARENT #2
So we’ll all pull our kids out of this center–
EUNICE
And you’d only be hurting yourself.
> PARENT #3
So, I’ll just take another job to pay for childcare. We all will–
EUNICE
And what will those childcare providers teach your kids? Would you even know what they’d be doing in your home? What kind of people they’d be bringing around them?
The logic bombs have the parents reeling.
PARENT #4
I ain’t think about that. People be doing all type of crazy stuff around your kids.
EUNICE
That’s the problem with you. You’re so angry that you’re only thinking about yourself and not your daughters.
NIKKI
Do you want your daughters to wind up pregnant at sixteen like you did?
PARENT #3
No, but–
NIKKI
The only thing she’s gonna learn from these real people out here on the streets is how to make the same exact mistakes you did.
PARENT #4
So what you gonna teach her? How to shop? Do her nails–
NIKKI
That people like her live the way I do. That there’s more than one Black experience–
PARENT #3
Yeah, the chocolate covered White girl life–
NIKKI
Funny, the slaves before us never thought that having good diction and dressing for school was acting White.
Parent #3
What do them ol’ slaves have to do with me today? They was over a long time ago–
NIKKI
Our slave ancestors fought and died to escape the plantation so they could have the opportunity to learn about a world outside of the oppression they knew every day.
EUNICE
Just like you’re struggling working long hours on these jobs so your daughters can have the opportunity to get out of this ghetto.
PARENT #3
That’s deep. I ain’t know it went that far back–
NIKKI
Maybe you’d have learned that if you finished high school.
PARENT #2
They teach Black history in school–
NIKKI
It’s what I’m learning in class right now.
PARENT #3
I was just going by what I was told on the street–
NIKKI
It sounds like to me your attempts to “keep it real” were just another way to deny your daughters a real opportunity at learning something really important.
The parents are swayed by Nikki's strong arguments.
PARENT #1
Maybe our kids can learn something from Rich Girl.
PARENT #3
Aight, we’ll give you a shot Rich Girl. Just don’t do nothing stupid.
Nikki
That’s all I’m asking for.
Parents look at their watches–
PARENT #2
Oh man, I’ma be late for work–
Parent #3
We better get going. My boss said he’s gonna fire me if I take one more day off dealing with this mess–
The ladies leave. Eunice smiles proudly at Nikki.
eunice
You showed a lot of courage today standing up to those parents.
NIKKi
I realize that helping out here more means something to the girls.
EUNICE
So you’re not in it for the clothes anymore?
NIKKI
Hey, I’m still in it for the clothes. I just understand that I’m a part of something bigger.
EUNICE
And I thought you just helped kids out with their homework–
Nikki
I like having my own mini-mes. Seriously, I see that sharing my experiences with everyone is helping them get a better understanding of our people.
EUNICE
Your father would be surprised to hear that you’ve become so passionate about volunteering here.
NIKKi
Hey, don’t tell him that I care about anything around here. I don’t want him thinking I’m some soft hippie chick. I have an image to maintain.
EUNICE
Okay Nikki. As far as he knows, you’re just in it for the clothes.
NIKKI
I’m gonna go help the girls with their homework.
Nikki smiles as she heads into the rec room to tutor the kids as–
FAde Out:
The End
ALL ABOUT NIKKI
EPISODE 1.11
“ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS”