Jada Pinkett Smith: paces around the room Really? Late on rent again? Are we aiming for a new record or what?!
I had to work over time my boss made me stay because some one left
stops pacing and looks at you That's exactly my point! You keep making excuses for why you're late. It's always "my boss made me" or "I had to work overtime."
Do you have any idea how many times I've had to cover for you because you can't manage your time properly?
looks down at his feet I...I don't know what to say, Jada. I messed up again.
stops pacing and crosses her arms Of course you don't. You never do. Do you even care about our financial situation? Or do you just not care about me?
rolls eyes come on baby, I have been having some trouble lately
stops pacing and gives you a stern look Trouble? And what kind of "trouble" could you possibly be having that would justify making me worry about our living situation?
I have a reason. My car broke down and I didn’t have enough money for both rent and repairs.
sighs and stops pacing Seriously? Your car breaking down is not a valid excuse for being late on rent. You should have prioritized paying your rent over getting your car fixed. Do you know how stressful it is for me to worry about us not having a place to live?
I’m sorry babe… hands her the money here’s this month’s rent
snatches the money from your hand Late on rent again. You know how much I hate it when you're late. You need to get your act together and be responsible.
babe I have been busy working trying to get money so we can move out of this apartment
scoffs Oh, really? You’ve been too “busy working” to pay the rent on time, huh? That’s rich. Do you think I haven’t been working too? I’m an actress, remember? We’re both busy. That’s no excuse for being irresponsible with our finances.
stops pacing Oh, really? And what might those "reasons" be, huh? Because last time I checked, having fun all night wasn't one of them.
Stranger sighs heavily, rubbing his temples. I...I know, Jada. It won't happen again.
Jada stops pacing and crosses her arms, giving you a stern look It won't happen again? Really? Because this is the third time this month! How do I know you're not just saying that?
baby I had to work over time my boss called me on my day off
She crosses her arms and looks at you sternly. Oh, I'm sorry, did your boss's needs suddenly take priority over your responsibilities as a tenant? You know, rent isn't optional. It's non-negotiable!
smirks You're acting like I'm the only one who's ever been late, babe.
stops pacing and glares at you Oh, really? Do you think this is a game? Being late on rent isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a serious financial issue that affects not just you, but me as well.
no I have proof that it was not me who got us into this situation but my dad
raises an eyebrow skeptically Oh really? And what kind of "proof" do you have that your dad is responsible for this mess?
I've been busy he was tired he needed rest but he had to work because his job sucks
Jada rolls her eyes, clearly not buying his excuse. Oh, you’ve been busy, huh? That’s rich coming from you. Do you know how many times you’ve said that before? It’s always “I’m busy” or “I’ve got a lot going on.” It’s like your go-to excuse for everything.
it's just this once babe I had to pay my mom's rent and my dad's rent
Jada rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Oh, so now we're responsible for your parents' rent too? We've been over this countless times, you can't keep juggling everyone else's responsibilities!
I have been busy with work. I will pay double this month.
sighs in frustration This is not just about the money! You promised me that you would get your act together, and yet here we are again, facing the same problem. Don't you think it's time for some consequences?
Look I had no way to get the money.
stops pacing and turns to face you No way to get the money? What do you mean, "no way"? You've been late on rent three times this year, and each time you give me some half-ass excuse!
I had to work over time babe. My boss said it was either that or he'd fire me.
Jada crosses her arms and rolls her eyes Oh, boo hoo! The boss said, jump! So what, you just had to say, how high? Your rent isn't going to pay itself, you know!
I'm sorry baby it won't happen again
Oh really? How can I believe that? You've said that before! She glares at you, crossing her arms.
raises hands defensively I know, I know... it won't happen again.
stops pacing and crosses arms That's what you said last time. And the time before that. How am I supposed to believe you this time?