An Ocean Inside Me

**"An Ocean Inside Me**" is the sixth episode of Season 1 of *Cruel Summer*. It will air on May 18, 2021.

## Synopsis

A new deposition threatens Jeanette’s case. A discovery causes Cindy’s suspicions about her own daughter to reach new heights as her relationship with Greg becomes further strained.

## Plot

The events that are about to unfold take place on approximately August 15th, 1993, 1994, and 1995.

**1993.** Jeanette gleefully sets the table with pastries as her parents wake up with messy hair and big anniversary smiles, per Derek’s predictions. Cindy, Greg, Jeanette, and Derek sit at the table as they toast to a lifetime of more happy anniversaries.

**1994.** Jeanette sets the table when Derek emerges. They listen to Cindy and Greg argue, something Jeanette can’t stand as she blames herself for their fighting. Derek assures her that this is the fault of Joy Wallis’s smear campaign, not hers. She asks if he has to move into the dorms today but he does as he can’t miss the pre-season. Greg enters and Jeanette wishes him a happy anniversary. She tries to make small talk but it doesn’t go very well. Cindy answers the door to find a gift basket she assumes is from Greg. She thanks him happily until she reads the card and learns it’s from Angela Prescott. It’s a thank you for setting her up with the perfect home.

**1995.** Jeanette watches home movies from June 6, 1993, where her entire family had gathered to play card games. Angela watches from the doorway so Jeanette turns it off. She remarks that she's not sitting on the couch missing her mom, though Angela understands if she were. Jeanette, however, is missing her dad instead. Angela assures her that if he’s spending too much time with Angela she can talk to him, but Jeanette knows it’s not that. She should have stayed a nerdy nobody. Angela tells her that as a woman she shouldn’t make herself less for anyone. Jeanette remarks that this day used to be a holiday, but now it feels like a funeral. She leaves to answer the door and finds Denise who tells her they have a problem.

**1993.** Jeanette, Mallory, and Vince lock their bikes as he gushes over having to see *Jason Goes To Hell*, the new and final *Friday the 13th* movie. The girls pass on the idea but Vince points out list number 14 - sneak into a scary movie. Mallory notes that number 13, stealing something, comes before 14 so they have to do that first. Jeanette is excused as she already stole Martin Harris’s yearbook, while Vince plans to shoplift a CD from the mall. She assures them that she will still come, but points out that everything Mallory added to the list is illegal. Mallory retorts that big corporations, such as the one they’re stealing from today, budget for losses so it’s a victimless crime.

1995. Denise tells Jeanette and Angela that Kate’s lawyers are deposing Tennille Peterson’s mother Tanya at Tanya's request, as she claims to have damning evidence against Jeanette. Greg snaps at Jeanette for drinking all the coffee, but Angela shows him a cup she saved for him. He breezes out. When he’s gone, Denise presses that if Tanya’s evidence discredits Jeanette’s they’ll have a problem, as it doesn’t matter if Jeanette has rumors about Tanya too.

**1993.** Mallory and Jeanette stand in the changing rooms as she spies on Martin Harris being fitted for a suit by Tanya Peterson. Jeanette points him out to Mallory who doesn’t care, as she’s removing the security tags from clothes per the device her mother had from her time as a sales associate. Tanya measures Martin while Mallory wraps a shirt around Jeanette’s waist as it’s a “free shirt”. Tanya invites Martin out for dinner though he is reluctant since she’s a parent to one of his students. He eventually gives in. Mallory and Jeanette sneak out while Tanya is distracted.

**1994.** Tanya tells Tennille and Renee that Jeanette is on the line. She’s annoyed over the constant calls and that Tennille hasn’t cleaned her room yet. They are having company over so her room needs to be clean. She has an interview with Molly Green over Martin Harris, which surprises Renee. Tennille tells Tanya to tell Jeanette she’s been relocated to Loser Island where they won’t be joining her.

**1993.** Jeanette and Mallory meet with Vince outside the record store when the alarm goes off for his CD. Jeanette snatches it and tells them to run. She is taken into custody by mall security. She waits in a room with Jamie who asks what she’s in for, to which she nervously bumbles that it’s for shoplifting. He got busted for something in the fountain as part of a dare. She introduces herself but he remembers her.

**1994.** Cindy enjoys the gift basket when she answers a prank call from someone looking for kidnapping tips from Jeanette. Cindy angrily tells them that their prank calls are harassing an innocent family. The woman calls them the Twisted Turners and hangs up. The phone rings again but this time, Cindy doesn’t answer. She goes to Jeanette’s closet and searches through it to find something. She makes sure everything is in order before leaving. She then finds a photograph on the dresser that she gave Jeanette for her fifteenth birthday and a jewelry box under it. She sorts through the box but doesn’t find anything. She lifts the center console out, which is also empty. When she flips the box over she finds a fake bottom with a key taped to the bottom.

**1993.** Jamie asks Jeanette if she gets into a lot of trouble but she slyly says that she makes trouble but doesn’t get caught. His interest is piqued so he moves several seats closer, but before she can tell him, Greg enters looking for her. He hopes this is a misunderstanding.

1994. Jeanette walks through the house when Cindy tells her to take the headset off and sit on the couch. Cindy assures her daughter that she can tell her anything. She then tells Jeanette that whatever her answer to a question is they will face it together. She asks if Jeanette has ever been inside Martin Harris’s house, though Jeanette is offended by the question as it’s just stupid rumors. She wants Cindy to ignore them but Cindy knows they won’t go away. If there’s any truth to the rumors she needs to know. Jeanette doubles down on her lie and tells Cindy to change their phone number.

**1993.** Jeanette and Greg walk through the mall as he confronts her about why she shoplifted. She admits that she was protecting Vincent as he would do the same for her. Greg decides to keep the incident between them since Cindy would call Vince’s Grandparents.

**1994.** Greg arrives home from work at Cindy’s request and she urgently tells him that Jeanette is lying. She shows him the key she found hidden in the jewelry box, which she thinks is the key to Martin’s house. He thinks this is crazy but she presses this is her motherly instinct. She is adamant that Jeanette is lying and involved. She thinks they need to see if the key fits in the house, but he wonders what people would think if they saw them in broad daylight at the house. She wants to go when it’s dark outside, but he presses that they raised a good kid. Cindy notes that Jeanette changed before their eyes. Greg promises that he doesn’t think there’s a problem and leaves.

**1995.** Jeanette ties her shoes when Vince enters as Angela let him in. She wonders if the lawyers are harassing him but they aren’t. He worries that he’s overstepping by being here. She assures him that he isn’t though it’s weird. She can’t believe that Mallory is an honorary Wallis, though Vince can’t blame Mallory for finding friends. He notes that Jeanette pushed him away, though she thought it would be best since she ruined enough lives. He asks if she needs help with her errand but she doesn’t. She then asks him to distract the reporters while she sneaks out. He assures her that he has her covered.

**1994.** Derek wants to raid the cabinet for dorm snacks which Cindy is fine with. He notices her absent-mindedness so she asks about the tea party he had in the rain with Jeanette when they were kids. She asks if it was his idea or Jeanette’s since Greg told her it was his. Derek can’t remember, though Cindy believes Jeanette is lying, though Greg doesn’t believe this. She feels like an ocean is inside her. Derek tells her to call Aunt Susan since she’s good at this stuff while he isn’t. He leaves to finish packing. She tells him to come back and tells her she’s proud of him and to keep pursuing his dreams.

**1995.** Jeanette checks the changing rooms to ensure they’re empty before turning to Tanya who asks what she owes the displeasure of her company. She presses Tanya for answers on why she’s requesting to be deposed.

**1993.** Back in Jeanette’s room, she sorts through her closet. Vince can’t believe she covered for him but she was fine with it. She found a thrill in almost getting in trouble but not. He doesn’t relate as his stealing days are over. He’s bummed over the CD while she can’t believe Mallory booked it out on them. She is annoyed that Mallory constantly pressures them to do what she wants without backing down. He agrees which surprises her. He clarifies that they shouldn’t talk badly about Mallory. He compliments a shirt she is throwing out but she claims it isn’t “her” anymore.

**1994.** Vince gives Ben the best Friday the 13th and invites him to his house to narrate the scary parts which he likes to do. They are close to one another when Jeanette walks in. She greets Ben and he returns to the movie to leave for the gym. Vince returns to stacking shelves. He asks her to pretend she didn’t see them so close, to which she agrees. She tells him that the secret must be scary though if that’s what he wants she can pretend it didn’t happen, though he seems happy. He is insanely happy so she tells him to tell Ben they are all happy.

**1993.** Jeanette sneaks to Martin’s house late at night and breaks in using her key. She walks through the home admiring the furniture. She opens a closet and sorts through his CD collection, ultimately finding the one she wants. Tanya and Martin return earlier than expected for drinks.

1994. Jeanette confides in Vince that her mom is believing the rumors. He tells her that she always has him and they pinky swears to forever. Renee and Tennille enter for movies as Renee remarks this is awkward. Tennille notes that she knew Jeanette was calling from caller ID and was purposefully avoiding her. Renee notices that Tanya’s interview is playing so Vince turns it up. Tanya talks about being alone with Martin and how forceful he was.

**1993.** Jeanette watches Martin and Tanya flirt as they talk about exes. She moves closer to him and puts her hand on his knee.

**1994.** Tanya claims Martin was aggressive with her when they were alone. He offered personal details unprovoked. That he did anything in his power to make her go to bed with him.

**1993.** Tanya swoons over Martina and admits that her ex pays child support since he believes Tennille is his biological daughter even though he’s not. He doesn’t want to know something that personal about his students as she brushes his hair with her fingers. Jeanette backs away from the door and bumps into the stereo which beings to blast music. Martin approaches the cabinet. Jeanette quickly shuts off the sound. Tanya thinks she sat on the remote then looks down at the mess she spilled on her shirt.

**1994.** Tanya admits that when she thinks about what happened to Kate Wallis she couldn’t help but worry that it could have been er. Jeanette blurts out that Tanya is lying which angers Renee and Tennille, who believes she is defending a pedophile. Tennille angrily states her mother isn’t a liar. Jeanette tries to backtrack her claims but Tennille approaches angrily to tell her that Cindy is a washed-up has-been just like Jeanette is. Renee and Tennille leave so Jeanette storms out too.

**1995.** Jeanette and Angels walk through the house as Angela wonders if she’s dating someone. She points out that Vince waits around for her to come home. Jeanette laughs it off and tells Vince of her claim they should date. Vince finds it gross since she’s like his sister. Angela leaves for work.

**1994.** Jeanette looks at her makeup in the car while Derek gets ready to drive her home. He asks what happened so she emotionally admits that Renee and Tennille have cut her out. She asks again if he has to leave for college. She feels like everyone is leaving and feels alone.

**1995.** Vince eats the popcorn but she isn’t interested. She can’t relax when Tanya is out there. He proposes a distraction so Greg volunteers to play cards with them. Angela talked to him so he apologizes for ignoring her as he thought she wanted space. They agree to play a game.

Denise and Kate’s lawyer ask if Tanya has reason to believe Jeanette isn’t telling the truth. Tanya clarifies that they’re talking about Jeanette Turner.

**1993**. Tanya opens the closet doors to find Jeanette. She asks what she’s doing there so she assures Tanya that she won’t say anything about Tennille’s father. Tanya makes her a deal that they’ll both stay quiet so Jeanette runs out of the house.

**1995.** Jeanette wins the hand of cards and is ecstatic over her victory. Greg and Vince want a rematch. The phone rings so Jeanette answers it reluctantly.

Tanya says that she has no reason to believe Jeanette didn’t see Tanya after all. She recalls her conversation with Jeanette in the mall, where Tanya remarks on how what she’s doing is illegal. Jeanette presses that if Tanya talks she’ll out paternity and child support fraud. The lawyers love a good story and to be sure about the story she’s telling. Hearsay is one thing but facts are another. She notes she can be convincing and tosses the clothes at her.

The lawyer asks Tanya to clarify that she lies that her idea was just a misunderstanding. Denise tells Jeanette that Tanya had nothing interesting to say but doesn’t want to ever know if Jeanette had something to do with that.

**1995.** Cindy sits at the bar where Angela is tending and asks for a Cosmo. Cindy states it’s her wedding anniversary so Angela wishes her a happy anniversary. Cindy notes they aren’t together anymore which Angela would know. Angela isn’t interested in a catfight which Cindy assures her that’s not the case. She was driving to her old house but she kept going straight as she couldn’t go backward. Derek told her that Angela worked the bar and she’s dying to know how Jeanette is. Derek talks to her but Jeanette doesn’t as she blames Cindy for the separation. She wants to know anything about her daughter. Angel admits that Jeanette misses her. Cindy invites Angela for a drink.

1994. Greg comes home to find Cindy. He tells her that two more houses are out of escrow. She brings up her former desire to be a flight attendant which confuses him. She tells him about her dreams of flying the skies as a career. He chuckles as he thought this was something important but she’s serious about this.

**1995.** Cindy tells Angela about her mom’s sacrifices to the point of disappearing which Angel relates to. Cindy wanted to break the cycle but she wanted to leave a different blueprint for her daughter, she had to. Angela applauds her for starting a new career after having kids. Angela now owns the bar. Cindy can see why Greg likes Angela. Angels remarks that she likes her too and they toast to being able to sit and talk. Angela remarks that she didn’t steal Greg since Cindy left him. Cindy muses over the fact Greg told Angela that version.

**1994.** Cindy talks about wanting her dream which he thinks was unrealistic to travel while they raise kids. She might not have been loud enough about the desire but she’s been loud about Jeanette. She did push their daughter to blossom but never showed her how which is why Jeanette has made mistakes. She tells Greg to try the key for himself. She can’t believe he needs proof for him to take her seriously. She realizes he doesn’t take her seriously. She’s leaving to stay with her sister for a while as she needs time to think. She’ll come back to speak with Jeanette. He is astounded that she’s leaving on their anniversary. She tells him to finally face what is happening with Jeanette as he’ll be exactly where she is. She notes that it’s excruciating and lonely without him.

Earlier that day, Cindy takes the key to Martin’s house. She puts the key in the lock and learns that it fits in the keyhole. She can open the door. That night, Greg tries for himself and learns that the key does indeed open the door. He angrily knocks things off a shelf.

## Cast

### Starring

* Olivia Holt as Kate Wallis (Credit only)
* Chiara Aurelia as Jeanette Turner
* Froy Gutierrez as Jamie Henson
* Harley Quinn Smith as Mallory Higgins
* Allius Barnes as Vince Fuller
* Blake Lee as Martin Harris
* Michael Landes as Greg Turner
* Brooklyn Sudano as Angela Prescott

### Guest Starring

* Sarah Drew as Cindy Turner
* Barrett Carnahan as Derek Turner
* Nicole Bilderback as Denise Harper
* Nathaniel Ashton as Ben
* Jason Douglas as Nick Marshall

### Co-Starring

* Shelby Surdam as Tennille Peterson
* Aaliyah Muhammad as Renee Talbot
* Kim Jackson Davis as Tanya Peterson
* Oscar Contreras as Rent-A-Cop

## Notes and Trivia

* This is the first episode not to feature Olivia Holt as Kate Wallis.
* This is the first episode not to open with a trigger warning or close with a support help line.
* This episode takes place on August 15th, 1993, 1994, and 1995.
* This episode introduces Tennille Peterson's mother, Tanya, who is a saleswoman at the local mall.
* The title was a line said by Cindy Turner when referencing her inability to express that she thinks Jeanette is guilty.
* Cindy is revealed to have sister named Susan.

## Gallery

### Videos

Cruel Summer - Season 1, Episode 6 Trailer - Cindy Questions JeanetteCruel Summer - Rewind- Season 1, Episode 6 - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Sneak Peek- Jeanette Gets in Trouble - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Sneak Peek- A Victimless Crime - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Sneak Peek- Prank Call - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Sneak Peek- A New Witness - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Sneak Peek- Derek is Leaving for College - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Cindy and Angela Talk - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Jeanette Learns About Vince and Ben - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Jeanette Threatens Tanya Peterson - FreeformCruel Summer Season 1, Episode 6 - Cindy and Greg Argue About Jeanette - Freeform

## Soundtrack

* Queenie by Bratmobile
* Can I Kick It? by Lowdown Brass Band
* Coming Down by Tom Glynn
* Low by Cracker
* Unbelievable by Aaron Espe
* Screen by Brad
* Signals You Send by Swim
* Save Your Soul by Damned Anthem