Original subtitles

As high school seniors celebrate graduation this weekend,

many locals who fear the fateful curse of the lake

will hold their male teens close by.

The legend dates back to when indigenous people

considered the water of Lake Ronkonkoma sacred.

Four of the thirteen long island tribes: the Setaukets,

the Nissaquogues, the Secatogues and the Corchaugs

share a shoreline as a common fishing station

and meeting place for Sachem.

Some believe the spirit of a broken hearted native teen

haunts the lake in search of her lover who drowned.

Eric Schultz, an All State swimmer from Sachem High School

lost his life one year ago

while swimming in the lake with friends.

Eric was said to follow in the footsteps of his father,

Adam Schultz, and his grandfather,

retired fire chief Andy Hart.

I'm worried about Adam.

It's a tough day.

- I'll have a Heineken. - Water's good for me.

I can drive you to the high school.

Do I look like I need a designated driver?

You know I haven't touched this stuff in a year.

You still have time. Let us take you there.

I'm fine. I can drive myself.

Shouldn't you two be out?

I have extra safety patrol on it.

I-I'm off duty.

Well, I-I gotta go to the deli

to prep for the graduation party.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Swimming, boating, fishing are prohibited.

Do you believe that there's a connection

between your son's death

and the Ronkonkoma curse?

No, I believe it was an accident and people should obey the law.

Why, though, close the lake for the entire season?

The lake is dangerous.

- How so? - The ecosystems have changed,

pollution has changed what the lake once was,

dark areas and deep waters make it impossible

to differentiate between up and down and...

a person struggling...

A-are you all right to continue?

I'm fine.

Search and rescue can't see

more than six inches in front of them.

We just--we just-- couldn't find him in time.

Uh, um, Grace, Grace, um, let's go with this question.

Uh, what documentation does the heritage association have

to validate the curse?

There is no documentation curse

or legend, for that matter.

Most of us who were born here

or lived here for generations

think it's hocus-pocus.

There are two versions, though.

I prefer the Romeo and Juliet story.

Love is the most powerful human emotion.

I believe the lake is bottomless.

Oh.

Well, thank you both for joining us

and a portion of the money from the powwow

will be in the name of Eric Schultz.

Uh, for more information please go to our website.

Thank you for watching.

Do you believe that there's a connection

between your son's death and the Ronkonkoma curse?

No, I think it was an accident and people should obey the law.

Can you lower that or change the channel?

Stay away. Stay out of and off the lake.

Let's--let's get you out of here. Come on.

Unit 141 over.

Male, eight years old, possible anaphylactic shock,

difficulty breathing,

location, Lakoma Deli 111 Pine Grove. Over.

Unit 141, we are one mile away en route. Over and out.

In honor of Eric's memory,

the historic society will be raising funds

at a powwow event

taking place at the Shinnecock Reservation

later this summer.

The curse is believed

to be responsible for the drownings

of one male each year.

This is what many refers to as

the Legend of Princess Ronkonkoma.

I mean, you really killed it today with your speech.

It sucks Jamie's parents didn't come.

Yeah, I hear her mom's not doing well, though.

- Hey. - Hey.

Thanks.

For coming, guys.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

How's your mom?

Same.

I'm sorry.

You know better, Will.

You can't have candy because of the nuts!

119 over 87. You're perfect.

Do you feel better?

- Okay. - Thank you.

Okay, light with almond milk,

no sugar for...

How's Scott? Keeping out of trouble?

This is the one I have to worry about.

Well, I promised Andy

I'd have you home by Jamie's lunch.

- Bye. - Bye.

I can't believe this is the last summer before you're leaving me.

Yeah.

I'm leaving you, this town,

this house...

I gotta get out of here.

And... out of this dress.

The sooner the better.

Give me these.

I'm gonna miss you, Erwin.

So...

I... will see you

at the lake later.

But I can't stay late, I have SAT prep.

Thanks, Erwin.

For what?

Uh, later.

I got it.

You sure?

Your mom would've been proud to hear your inspiring words.

Yeah, I guess.

Today's been rough.

I can do it, bacha.

How was it?

You didn't miss anything.

I'm just gonna run upstairs for a minute.

You, uh, you don't have to wait for me to start eating.

- You know you're-- - It's okay.

I'm sorry, though.

There's nothing to be sorry for.

Eric.

Eric...

Eric...

I heard Jamie's speech was amazing.

She is so smart and beautiful.

She reminds me of you.

We need to tell her.

I need to tell her how amazing she is.

I saw Gigi at Lakoma.

She was wearing the graduation gift

that Eric gave her. You remember? It's your...

your earrings with the turquoise stones.

She--she even has a blue streak in her hair.

- Oh, over. Over. - Get it, get it, get it.

Gonzaga would be fun.

Did you play basketball?

Hot dogs are out!

Yay!

- Good job. - Thanks, Mom.

It's going quite good.

I'm gonna get a doughnut.

How's it going?

Have a doughnut.

Hey, cheers.

One, two, three.

- Oh, right. - Oh.

Okay, thanks.

- Do you need your inhaler? - No, I think I'm good.

Yeah.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, no problem.

Thank you.

Proud of you, bro.

Thank you. I'm proud of you, too.

My mom...

Woo, woo!

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!

Call it!

Woo!

- Yes! - Yeah!

Come on, Eric.

Eric's the all-time champion.

Good job, Eric.

Why are you wearing that color?

You look like Santa's helper.

Well, I like it.

You two need to get a room.

Look, if you're not going to get the booze, I will.

Are you kidding me?

You, inside, alone with her?

Gigi said we have to wait until she's alone.

And when'll that be?

- You good to close? - Mm-hmm.

Hello? I'm outta here, so are ya good to close?

Yeah, I got it.

If you need me, I'll be at Parsnips or the firehouse.

All right, uh, sounds good. Good night. Night, Mike.

Night.

We got it.

I don't like that she still has your number.

Come on. Let's go.

Ugh, really?

Oh, my God.

Uh...

It was supposed to be just you.

Just chill, Gigi. It's cool.

The more hands, the better it hits, my dear.

Okay, that is more than enough for one visit!

Um, the more the merrier.

And now you sound like an elf.

Will you be at the lake later?

Uh, maybe.

Okay, more than enough.

Come on.

Nice earrings.

Nice earrings.

Come down here, dance with me!

Okay. I'll say it.

I'm not comfortable having a party out here,

I mean, it's sacred ground.

I agree with Erwin.

I think it's a little weird, even scary.

It has to be there,

and it has to be tomorrow night.

Eric would've wanted that.

It's how I wanna honor him, and celebrate my...

our birthday.

Aren't you a little worried about the curse?

I'm more concerned about what your dad's gonna do

once he finds out about this party.

He barely acknowledges I even exist.

He has no clue about any party.

But what about the curse?

It's not really a curse. It's this story

that's gotten messed up over the years.

You know, funny thing is people don't actually even believe it,

and they live here.

How did it get messed up?

Well, this curse...

It says the spirit of Tahoma,

a native princess returns every year

and takes the life of a young man swimming in the lake.

They were in love,

just two teenagers that wanted to be together.

Their love was forbidden.

Onacona!

Onacona!

It was a Romeo and Juliet tragedy.

Her spirit searches for her lost lover.

Eric.

Eric.

Eric.

Jeez, Erwin.

- Who are you texting? - No one.

Please.

Mia!

Mia!

Open the door!

Open the door, baby.

Find me...

this way...

this way.

Let me help you with that.

We received the grant approval, the board will match

funds raised at the event.

Oh, I'm grateful.

We all are.

You're doing a wonderful job raising Gigi and Erwin.

They are my joy.

Easier grandparenting than parenting, yes?

You do know all this information is from your office.

And on your website.

Yes, I know, but I'm old-fashioned, though.

Your grandfather's smile beams so wide

when he speaks of you, so proud.

Majoring in social justice with a concentration

in Native American studies?

So proud.

- Thank you. - We're going to miss you.

Erwin will really, uh, miss you.

Professor?

Oh, Jamie. Come here.

Yeah, no mosquitoes.

Thank you, everyone.

Same day, same time next month.

It will be posted on our website.

Gigi knows the website.

Meeting your brother.

- Okay. - Yeah.

I'll--I'll clean up.

Did we bore you?

No! No, not at all, Grandpa.

It was good.

Really good.

Um, will you be home tonight?

I hope you'll honor your father's wish.

Stay away from the beach tonight.

No lake.

Wish? More like directive.

Yeah, just a bunch of us are meeting up at the house.

Promise me you'll be safe.

And stay out of the lake.

Yeah, of course.

I'll--I'll be home tonight.

Thanks, Grandpa.

Come play with me.

You wanna open it now?

Okay. I'll wait till later.

You know they say it's bottomless.

The lake.

That all the algae and pollution

just really makes the visibility go from dark to black.

They found Eric's body in the Long Island Sound.

Near the Maritime College.

Near Throgs Neck Bridge.

I know where the college is, Jamie.

It's just you haven't said Eric's name in over a year.

Yeah, well..

my grandfather thinks it's bad luck.

My mother refuses to say Eric's name.

She fears it'll call back his spirit.

Well, my grandfather said when he was a kid

that he was able to throw a penny into the lake

and still be able to see the year on the penny.

My mother is the keeper of his soul.

I still have that feeling.

After they stopped the search and rescue...

...and it became a search and recovery,

it feels like it just happened.

And what really sucks, is...

is the realization that I'll never see him again.

Doesn't matter how he came into our family.

He's my brother.

I don't remember my parents.

Gigi says she does, but I really think

it's just because Grace shows us videos

over and over again.

I'm sorry, Erwin.

You're lucky to have your grandmother.

Grace is the best.

Yeah.

You know, maybe your dad's right.

You know, maybe we shouldn't have the party at the lake

or on the beach where the accident just happened.

We could just have it in your backyard.

Um...

- I gotta go. - Wait.

Oh, well, I wanted to ask you something.

Okay! See you later!

Hey.

Hey, what are you doing here?

You haven't been answering my texts.

I didn't get them.

What, are you stalking me?

I know you got them. You left me on read.

I can't do this right now.

Thank you, Adam. We'll get this house sold for you.

Thank you.

Hey.

What was that about?

We decided to list the house.

- Here. Let me help you. - I got it.

You want a cup of coffee?

No.

Come on.

Have a drink with your old man.

Okay. Okay.

So, all three townships have officially closed the lake.

Likely until after fourth of July

and maybe not even until after Labor Day.

But, you're more than welcome to have a few friends over

when I'm out.

Your grandfather will be home to check on your mom.

Where will you be?

I'm pulling a double shift.

Jamie, I'm serious.

Stay away from the beach.

Stay out of and off the lake.

Especially this weekend.

Right. This weekend.

Jamie.

Uh-huh.

Sure.

Okay got it.

Would you put that on my calendar, please?

Thank you.

Hey, hon.

Yeah, day's good. Just finishing up.

Okay.

Yes. Scott will be home for dinner.

Okay. Great. I'll see you later, okay?

Will?

Stay away from the edge and don't go into the water!

Come play with me....

Bye.

Will?

Will? Will?

Will?!

Oh! Will, no!

What are you doing? You know you can't be playing

in the street! It's super dangerous!

No!

Will!

- It's okay, Claire. - Oh, my God!

Oh! Where were you?!

Oh, my God!

Call it!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Eric! Eric!

- Eric! - Dad.

Dad.

Dad.

Dad.

Dad!

Help me!

Please!

Dad!

Please!

This way.

This way.

Eric.

Eric.

Eric?

I see you.

I'm here.

Dad, please.

- Dad. - I see you.

I'm right here.

This way. I'm right here.

I'm here!

Eric!

- You think I don't see this? - This time, we are casual!

No strings attached, Rocky!

Well, one year later,

I'm not the one who's attaching strings

and messing around with them!

What is that supposed to mean?

I'm just saying it like it is!

Wh-what are you talking about?

You were the one that cheated on me with Eric,

while Eric was dating Gigi,

and now you're messing around with the sister!

You have no idea what is going on.

Tell me then! What's going on?!

Gigi told me she saw you and Jamie at the deli.

I'm not doing this right now.

Okay.

Erwin! Wait up!

Oh, my God. Guys.

I swear, this sandwich gets better

every time I eat it.

- The Lacoma Deli sandwich. - Mm-hmm.

The chipotle mayo.

You know what I'm talking about?

You gotta try it. Try it.

- No, no, I'm good. - No, please, try it.

- One of you has to-- - I'll--I'll try it.

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Try it.

Life-changing.

Mmm.

Oh, you got a little right there.

You two were made for each other.

You've got this party started without us.

Uh, you're not sweet enough.

Oh, those are actually for dessert.

After we open Jamie's presents!

Now, this is a party! Yeah!

Yay!

Bro!

Happy birthday, Jamie!

- Happy birthday, girl. - I bring you --

- Whoo! - Happy birthday!

Thank you.

Little bit for you.

And some for you.

You guys are so cute.

Oh, yeah.

I got you, girl.

Go. Go give this to Rocky.

He needs a lot of it.

I need some, too.

Jamie doesn't want a book to remember this town.

She wants to forget it.

Jamie's going to school for Native American studies.

Plus, this is her ancestors' history,

the town's history.

Thank you, Erwin.

This is a really thoughtful gift.

I love it.

What's the matter with your boyfriend?

Hmm. He found out Ronnie likes girls, too.

Gigi...

I read that this lifeguard witnessed 30 drownings

over his 32-year career at the Pavilion Beach Club.

They all died. They were all male.

Is that because of the curse?

No. It's because the water's polluted

- and overgrown with algae. - So?

So, anyone who goes under

has no chance in hell to come back up.

Well...

it's a little more complicated than that.

Show-off! Again? Really?

What?

Oh, my God.

Gigi!

What is so funny?

She laughs when she's nervous.

Thanks for saving me.

Is that a gift for Jamie?

Where'd you get that hat, Scott?

- You are so weird. - That's so disrespectful.

Come on, look who's talking. Talk about disrespect.

I mean, judge much?

- I like your tattoo. - Oh.

You know, Henna is not Native American, right?

It's an antique. I-I found it in my parents' attic.

I-I-It's a gift for you.

Here. You can have this one.

Thanks!

Thanks for the gift, Scott.

Uh, I've got school in the morning.

Happy birthday, Jamie.

Thanks. Um...

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Well, that was awkward.

Finally!

A man's hat.

Uh-oh!

Uh...

Hi, Mr. Schultz.

Busted by my big sis.

Funny.

All right, let's clear out. Party's over.

Clean up.

I'll get a cup of coffee with two shots of expresso.

It's gonna be a long night.

Anything else?

- All set. - I'm good.

At least they're okay.

No one was swimming. No one was drunk.

They were drinking.

- They were drinking! - Yeah, yeah.

Claire called earlier.

Said a small group was gathered at Scott's.

They're fine.

All right.

Sounds like a good old-fashioned high school party.

Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll!

What? I--

Uh. You know, it sounds like it was a very mellow gathering.

I'm gonna go back to the firehouse.

See you later.

I'm glad you don't need your driver.

L et's go!

Ohh!

Whoo!

Hey, my bad.

Hey, hey. My--

All right, you guys. His turn. Let's go!

Hey, hey, wait, wait. Happy birthday.

Happy birthday to Eric, my friend.

Happy birthday, Eric!

And happy birthday, Jamie!

Whoo!

Why is that boat out of the water?

Hmm. My parents are selling it.

You wanna go on that one?

It's not safe. I-I'm--

Uh, are you scared?

Yes!

Scott, stop.

Please, Daddy, please let me be with my love!

- Really? - Yes!

Fine. Come on!

Eric!

Eric! Eric!

Eric! Eric!

Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

Mom! Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

Jamie.

Jamie.

Jamie.

Jamie.

Jamie.

Jamie.

Jamie. Jamie, wake up.

Jamie, you're dreaming again. Wake up! Jamie!

Jamie, wake up!

You're grounded. Come on!

What are you doing?

What are you all doing?

Where's Rocky?

I-I don't know.

And why don't you know?

Enough, Gigi.

He was really out of it last night.

Rocky!

Rocky, wake up.

Oh, hey. Hmm.

- See? I told you. - This isn't good.

Where--where-- where's Lizzie and Scott?

Uh, I don't know, I'm too hung over to know.

You haven't seen them?

No.

Where are they?

I don't know! I'm sure--

Where are they?

I don't know.

Look, I'm sure they're fine.

Where's Scott's boat?

Stop!

What kind of fish was that?

A shark.

Dun...

dun, dun....

dun, dun!

Dun, dun! Dun, dun!

Cut it out!

Hey, where's your inhaler?

I don't know.

I--I could've left it back at the house.

Maybe it's like a large turtle...

- or is it a tortoise? - What the heck, Scott!

That's crazy. We're in a swamp!

- Or... a lake. I--I-- - No, wait.

No, a tortoise is in like the warm water.

Like in Australia.

I told you we shouldn't be in the lake.

Well, technically, we're not "in the lake."

We're "on" it.

Well, now we're in the lake!

Scott, that's not funny! Come and help me in!

No, come here!

- Dun, dun... - No, come on, come on!

- dun dunn... - Scott! Stop!

Hey, you don't have your inhaler.

Come on, come on. Help me up.

Okay. Come on, come on, Scott.

Come on! Scott, what are you doing?!

- Scott, come on! - Something's got me!

Scott! Come on.

Scott. Scott! Scott!

- Scott! Scott! - Pull harder!

- Pull harder, Lizzie! - Scott! Scott!

Scott! Scott!

No! Scott!

Scott! Scott! Scott!

Scott! Scott! Scott! Scott!

Scott!

Scott!

Scott!

Scott! Scott!

Scott! Scott!

Scott!

I'm sorry.

You should go be with your dad.

I just can't sit here and wait!

Rocky, wait up!

Come on!

No, no, no, no!

No, no.

No, no, no.

I'm sorry.

I thought I lost you.

I love you.

Aponi!

- Aponi! - Aponi!

Aponi.

That's the last one.

- All right! You ready? - Yeah!

Oh, I forgot something.

- I'll be right back. - Okay.

Mom?

Mom?

Mom?

Mom?

Mom!

My girl.

- I love you, Aponi. - I love you, too.

Coming!

Bye, baby.

Oh!

- Thank you. - Happy birthday.

Hey, Jamie.

I'm sorry I didn't come to say goodbye.

I had no idea how hard it is and...

how much I miss Scott.

Thank you for being my rock.

I miss you, and I'll see you next summer.

Look at you! You look so good.

I knew you could do it!

Nice.

Nice.

Scott.

Scott.

Scott.

Scott.

Wait up, Will! Where are you going?

Will!

Where are you going?

Will!

Sweetie, where are you going?

Can I keep this, Mommy?

Of course you can, sweetie.

Scott.

Scott.

Scott.

Scott.

- Scott. - Scott.