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)

## Full Story

### 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.

* 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-

Xavier hangs up.

### Season 5

JJ and Darnell are in Darnell's apartment. Darnell's friends, Alex and Chris, are in the apartment as well.

* 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.

They all look surprised.

* 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.

They all laugh.

* Darnell: Found him at Chuck E. Cheese.
* Alex: Pokemon convention.

They all laugh louder.

* 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 and Chris hold back laughter.

* 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.

* 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 brings both of them aside to the other hallway.

* 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.

Jace leaves.

* 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.

They start walking to class.

* 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.