0:00:48 > 0:00:51BEEPING
0:01:13 > 0:01:15TELEPHONE RINGS
0:01:15 > 0:01:18'Kathleen, are you there? Kathleen?
0:01:18 > 0:01:19'You must be out.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23'The flight home was fine, got home about an hour ago.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25'I'll try you on the mobile.'
0:01:25 > 0:01:27You should've woke me.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29You weren't in till late and you're a pain in the morning.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It must run in the family.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Oi, where are you going with them? They're my only pair.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- Well, now I'll have to wash them, or I'll smell of lavender all day. - That's the idea, Dad.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Now come on, or we'll be late.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52Morning.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Hello, Brenda. Can I call you back? I'm still at work.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- 'I thought you were going to hand in your notice?'- What?
0:02:03 > 0:02:05'Well, now Mum's gone, what are you waiting for?'
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- I like my job.- 'Standing in the rain? Minimum wage?'
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Brenda, did you want anything in particular?
0:02:11 > 0:02:13'Just wanted to tell you I got home fine.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15'It's beautiful weather here, bright sunshine.'
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- Great.- 'You going to be OK?' - I'm fine.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19'Well, I won't keep you.'
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Yeah, I got to go, I'll call you back later. Wait there!
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- Right.- Morning.- Morning.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Kathleen, I did this picture for you.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Ooh, let me get my glasses.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Hope you like it.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Oh, Megan, that's lovely.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- It'll have pride of place on my mantelpiece.- See ya!
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Ah, pretty princess pictures, how sweet.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- What's wrong, didn't your mum want it?- Go away!
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Not the only thing she doesn't want.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57You all right?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09She's as good as gold at home. Helps out around the house and everything.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Look, I'm trying my best, you know. It's not easy on your own.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15We've started a support group in school,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18which we hope will help emotionally-troubled children.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20She's not mental.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23She gets a bit tearful and that...
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Obviously we're aware of the circumstances at home...
0:03:27 > 0:03:28You mean my wife leaving me?
0:03:28 > 0:03:31..but her behaviour has become increasingly disruptive.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34What are you trying to say?
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Well, we'll keep monitoring the situation,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41but we want you to know that we're here to help you both.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42We're doing fine.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Mr Williams, Megan is a nine-year-old child.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Ten, actually.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50She's ten tomorrow.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Why not let this be a new chapter for her?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Make a fresh start?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31KETTLE WHISTLES IN BACKGROUND
0:04:44 > 0:04:46TELEPHONE RINGS
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Brenda, it's two o'clock in the morning. Can't this wait?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- 'How did you know it was me?' - Who else at this time?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08'Kathleen, I ring you early and you're at work,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11'I ring you later and you're asleep. What do you want me to do?'
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Try midday.- 'Right, tomorrow then.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16'Why don't we do a video chat?'
0:05:16 > 0:05:19No, Brenda, I don't think so.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23'I go to all the trouble of setting it up for you and you haven't even turned it on.'
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I can't start using computers at my age.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27'You're not that much older than me,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'I don't know how I'd manage without mine.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Look, Kathleen, I'm in Canada, not Carshalton.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34'If you're not going to visit,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38'at least this way neither of us will forget what the other looks like.'
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Brenda, it's the middle of the night. I'll ring you tomorrow, all right?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43'Fine. Bye-bye.'
0:06:15 > 0:06:16KNOCKING
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Da-da!
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Happy birthday, Meg.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Oh!
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It's off me.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Oh, thanks.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Oh...thanks.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51We'll go the cinema after school.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Ask one of your friends if they want to come as well.- No!
0:06:54 > 0:06:56It could just be us? I'd like that.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- OK.- Are there any other cards?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Anything from Mum?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- No. - PHONE RINGS
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Hello, 24-7 Plumbing?
0:07:10 > 0:07:14I'm sorry to hear that, Mrs Fleming, but it's a bit tricky today.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19No, no, no, I realise that, it's just it's my daughter's birthday.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22It's all right, Dad. We can leave the cinema.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Well, as it's you...
0:07:27 > 0:07:31OK, all right, be there as quick as I can. Thanks.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Thanks, Meg.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Can't afford to knock jobs back, Dad.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Walk home with Kathleen, after school. I should be back before bedtime.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Have a good day, love.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46Do I have to go in?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48I don't feel well.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I'm in enough trouble with the school as it is.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Why not make today a fresh start, eh?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Did Miss Jones suggest that, Dad?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Hello.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Hi.- Been here long? - My dad just dropped me off.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- Can you walk me home after school today?- Course I can.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Have you used your new computer yet? - It's my sister Brenda's.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I'm sending it back to her. Computers aren't for me.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I'll show you what to do.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Hey, did you see The Simpsons last night?
0:08:33 > 0:08:37MIMICS MARGE SIMPSON: "Homer! I don't want to leave Springfield.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39"I've dug myself into a happy little rut here,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41"and I'm not about to hoist myself out of it!"
0:08:41 > 0:08:43You sound just like her.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Think so? Doing anything special today?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Your art class?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It's my birthday today. I'm ten.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Oh, Megan, I wish you'd told me. Happy birthday.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- Have to have a special tea later, then.- No, it's all right.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Dad's working late. - That settles it. No arguments.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- OK.- Right, all clear, off you pop.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Bye, see you later!
0:09:17 > 0:09:20How did it go with Megan Williams' dad?
0:09:20 > 0:09:24He couldn't promise to keep to any regular meetings because of his job.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- He's a plumber, does late call-outs or something.- Must be tough on her.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31We'll have to keep on top of that one.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36She pushed Mia Taylor on the floor yesterday.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- You ready, Meg?- Yep.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46How was school?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48OK.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- What did you learn today?- Not much.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Miss Jones was going on about the Christmas show.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Oh, right. You in it?- No.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Do you want to be?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Why don't you just have a go?
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- It's good to try something new, you know.- Like computers?
0:10:09 > 0:10:13I don't like singing and dancing much anyway.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20I know it's been hard lately, but it'll get better.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Just be strong and true to yourself.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I'll try.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Right, one special birthday tea coming up. Let's get started.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- OK.- But first...
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Now it's a real happy birthday.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Thank you.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I just thought she might... for my birthday.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51Have you asked your dad if he knows where she is?
0:11:51 > 0:11:55He doesn't like to talk about her. He gets upset.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57I know it hurts him to think about her.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Hiya.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Thanks, Kathleen. I finished early.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- She been OK?- Good as gold.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Meg, the school said you were fighting again.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Mia pushed me so I pushed her back and she fell on the floor.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- She started it.- Come on, Meg. This has got to stop.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I get the blame for everything.- Meg!
0:12:25 > 0:12:27This isn't like her, Jimmy.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29No, I know.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Keeps happening, though, doesn't it?
0:12:35 > 0:12:38What's that all about, then?
0:12:38 > 0:12:39I don't know.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- KNOCKING - Come in.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53I haven't done anything wrong.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Take a seat, Megan.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Miss Jones tells me you don't want to be involved in the Christmas show.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Shame.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Because this year, we've decided we're going to ask some children
0:13:10 > 0:13:13to write stories to be read out in front of the school.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15And we know you're very good at that
0:13:15 > 0:13:19and so we'd hoped that you would write one too.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Yeah, I've got lots of stories!
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Can you have a story about a dragon in a Christmas Show?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Why not? Sounds great.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30And all the parents are going to be invited in to read them out.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32My dad won't.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36It's a great way of including the parents in the school.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38He's...
0:13:39 > 0:13:40..he just won't.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Well, why don't you ask him?
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Why don't you ask Kathleen to read your story with you?
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- Yes, she does people's voices and everything.- There you go, then.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10I'm sure she'll be as excited as you are.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15But, Megan...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18this needs to be a new start. No more disruption in class.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Kathleen!
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- Hello, love.- I'm writing a story for the Christmas show!- Brilliant.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- It's about a good dragon and a bad dragon.- Wonderful.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Me and you will read it out in front of the whole school.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40You can put on your funny voices and everything. See ya!
0:14:54 > 0:14:55PHONE RINGS
0:15:01 > 0:15:04'Kathleen, it's Brenda.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07'Are you there?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09'You said you'd call.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12'It's 4.15, your time.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15'Kathleen!'
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- Oh, Kathleen! - Megan, I really need to have a word with you.- No, no, no, Kathleen!
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Mia doesn't believe you're going to read my story with me for the Christmas Show.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Oh, I'm really sorry, but...
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I knew she wasn't going to do it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34You are, aren't you?
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Oh, great! We're rehearsing after school in the hall. See you then!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
0:15:48 > 0:15:49"Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
0:15:49 > 0:15:55"Oh, frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!" he chortled in his joy
0:15:55 > 0:15:59'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe
0:15:59 > 0:16:03All mimsy were the borogoves and the mome raths outgrabe.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04Oh, well done, Megan!
0:16:04 > 0:16:07APPLAUSE
0:16:42 > 0:16:45HEARTBEAT POUNDS
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Aw, thanks for doing this, Kathleen. Megan hasn't stopped talking about you.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Is Megan here? I really need to have a word.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59She's just running an errand for me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03I have to say she's been a great help with this. Here's your script.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06We'll be practising every Monday and Thursday
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and everything you have to say is highlighted in yellow.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11HEARTBEAT CONTINUES TO POUND
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Don't feel very well.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26KNOCKING
0:17:26 > 0:17:28KNOCKING CONTINUES
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Kathleen?
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Kathleen! - PHONE RINGS
0:17:39 > 0:17:42'Kathleen?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45'If you're screening my calls again, I'll be furious.'
0:17:45 > 0:17:46- Kathleen?- 'What is going on?'
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Kathleen! I've got your script!
0:17:50 > 0:17:52HEARTBEAT POUNDS
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Kathleen.- Oh! I didn't see you there.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I just want to say, thanks for doing that show thing with Megan.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Oh...- It's really good of you. - Jimmy?- Yeah?
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- I don't want to let Megan down, but...- Oh, don't worry.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19No-one's expecting you to be like Meryl Streep or anything.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- PHONE RINGS - I'd better get that. Might be money.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Julia, I've told you...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28'Be reasonable, Jimmy. she's my daughter.'
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Tough, you've made your bed.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Turning work down, then?
0:18:35 > 0:18:39I've not seen Meg looking this bright for ages. She's, um...
0:18:39 > 0:18:44..she's done a chart with all the rehearsals on, everything.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45I really appreciate it.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50Oh, the next practice is Monday at four o'clock
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and is it OK if she walks back with you afterwards? Cheers.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05'Once upon a time,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08'there lived a very beautiful princess called Princess Annabella.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'She lived in a pink castle with the King and Queen,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14'and everyone said she was the fairest in all the land.'
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Well done, Mia. Now Mum?
0:19:16 > 0:19:21'One day, the King told Princess Annabella as she was nearly 17,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23'she would have to be married to a prince soon
0:19:23 > 0:19:26'and princes from all over the place started queuing up
0:19:26 > 0:19:30'outside of the castle to see how beautiful Annabella was.'
0:19:30 > 0:19:34'Princess Annabella told the King she didn't want to marry any of the princes
0:19:34 > 0:19:36'lining up outside the castle
0:19:36 > 0:19:38'because she didn't love any of them.'
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'The King was angry, and told her she would have to choose
0:19:41 > 0:19:44'one of the princes who had come to see her.'
0:19:44 > 0:19:48'Annabella locked herself in her room and cried and cried.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50'Nobody could get her to leave her room,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53'not even when the Queen got the cook to bake her favourite cupcakes.'
0:19:56 > 0:19:59'Kathleen! I'm writing a story for the Christmas show!'
0:19:59 > 0:20:03And me and you are going to read it out in front of the whole school!
0:20:09 > 0:20:12'One click, and hey presto, Canada in your living room!
0:20:14 > 0:20:16'Here is your script.'
0:20:20 > 0:20:23'Everything you have to say is highlighted in yellow.'
0:20:23 > 0:20:24KNOCK AT DOOR
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Hi, can I come in?- Yes, yes, of course.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Just going to the chippy. Can I bring anything?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I was just wondering if Meg could walk back with you
0:20:44 > 0:20:45after practice on Thursday?
0:20:45 > 0:20:49I've got a really big job on, and it'd really be a great help.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52I won't be able to make the practice.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Oh.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55You busy?
0:20:58 > 0:20:59Hang on.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Broke these last week.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27That's why I haven't been able to make any practices.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- I need to get them mended. - You should've said.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- I thought I'd have time but... - Do you want me to have a look at them now?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36No, I'll take them up the High Street. I'm sorry about Thursday.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38OK, no worries.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45I've just spoken to Kathleen. She can't make rehearsal on Thursday.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47She broke her glasses last week.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49She had them on today.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I've just seen them. They're broken in half.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55You must have made a mistake, love.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58The show's in two days and you haven't rehearsed once.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00I broke my glasses.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Look, Megan, I really need to talk to you.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06I'm sorry I said I'd write the stupid story now!
0:22:06 > 0:22:09First you're not well, now your glasses!
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Why did you say you'd do it?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14And they're all going to laugh at me now.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26I don't blame Kathleen. It's a stupid story anyway.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Hey!
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Ow! Miss Jones, Megan attacked me!
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Oh, what now? Mia, sit down. Megan. In the corridor now. - She pushed...- Now!
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Megan!
0:23:20 > 0:23:24I thought everything was going very smoothly. You were doing so well.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26You've written a beautiful story for the show.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Kathleen will be very upset.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30She's spoilt everything!
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- What, Kathleen?- She's horrible!
0:23:37 > 0:23:42I don't think Kathleen's doing it. She's not really turned up so far.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Oh, I see.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Well, I'm sure she must have her reasons.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Are you going to do it with me or not!
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- Megan...- Yes or no? Yes or no?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I can't! I just can't! Megan!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- Yes or no?- Megan, stop it!
0:24:03 > 0:24:04- Yes or no?- Stop it, Megan!
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Yes or no?- Stop it, Megan!
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- CAR GRINDS TO A HALT - Yes or no?
0:24:30 > 0:24:31PHONE RINGS
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- Brenda, thank... MAN:- 'Save yourself thousands of pounds and ensure...'
0:24:56 > 0:24:57We'll have to get her dad in.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03They have to join the family support group. Nothing else seems to be getting through.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05And if that doesn't work?
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Hello?
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Hi, it's Helen Jones, the Deputy Head.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Could you come into the school tomorrow morning, please?
0:25:19 > 0:25:20It's rather urgent.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26Well, I've got a job to finish off first. I'll be there about 11.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28KNOCKING AT DOOR
0:25:28 > 0:25:29MEGAN SOBS
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Hey? What's going on?
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Oh, sweetheart.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Megan's told me what happened on the crossing.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01But no-one was hurt, were they?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- No. But that's not the point. - So if she starts behaving herself?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07There could have been a terrible accident.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10But that's not your jurisdiction. The road is up to the council.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13So if no-one's complained, and the other kid's OK, can't you let the matter drop?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15She attacked the crossing guard.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17What, Kathleen?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19She didn't attack her!
0:26:19 > 0:26:21She just grabbed the lollipop.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25As you know, we've been monitoring Megan's behaviour, and we feel,
0:26:25 > 0:26:30if you agree, we'd like to include you both in our Rainbow Group.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- You what? - It's a behaviour support unit.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36You make it sound like Borstal. She's only ten!
0:26:39 > 0:26:41It's a nurturing, supportive group.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44It helps to promote a safe family environment.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48It's been a great help to children who have been emotionally troubled.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51This is my daughter we're talking about!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53I do my best.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57From what Megan tells us, she does quite a bit around the house.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02She tidies a bit, does some chores. She's not on the streets, you know!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Mr Williams... - She does the shopping online!
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Mr Williams, I can't stress enough
0:27:07 > 0:27:09how important it is to attend this group.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12If Megan doesn't respond to The Rainbow Group...
0:27:14 > 0:27:16..we'll have to consider other steps.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Social Services?
0:27:22 > 0:27:25That girl has already had her mum walk out on her
0:27:25 > 0:27:28and I'm working all hours to keep a roof over our heads!
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Over my dead body!
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- Kathleen.- It was an accident. I know Megan didn't mean...- Not that.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49This story you won't read with her.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58She's gone out of her way to do something for you.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59I just can't do it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03What? Read a couple of lines in a story?
0:28:03 > 0:28:04The kid loves you.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07I'm sorry, Jimmy. I can't.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Why not?
0:28:09 > 0:28:10I hope you don't mind me asking
0:28:10 > 0:28:13but Meg mentioned her mum the other day...
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Wait a minute, what has this got to do with anything?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I know you've been hurt
0:28:18 > 0:28:20but that's no reason why Megan...
0:28:20 > 0:28:22That's got nothing to do with you, Kathleen.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26That woman gave up any rights she might've had when she walked out.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28The school are threatening me with Social Services.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31That girl looked up to you
0:28:31 > 0:28:33and now you've broken her heart.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Oh, Jimmy. Jimmy!
0:29:00 > 0:29:01- It's all my fault.- Kathleen...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03It all got out of hand.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- Kathleen, please calm down. - I'm so sorry.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09I don't want to read the story at the Christmas show.
0:29:11 > 0:29:12Could I ask why?
0:29:13 > 0:29:15My reading.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16I...
0:29:18 > 0:29:20I just get embarrassed in front of people.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23No shame about that.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's just a bit of fun, nothing to worry about.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Can't Megan just apologise, then you can let the matter drop?
0:29:29 > 0:29:33It's not just about that. Her attitude is...
0:29:33 > 0:29:35It's all my fault. She's such a great girl,
0:29:35 > 0:29:38I couldn't bear it if this got her into serious trouble.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42And now her dad says Social Services are going to get involved.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46Kathleen, we're doing everything we can to avoid that.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47Please.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I know she'll apologise if you just give her the chance.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Megan, we all want what's best for you
0:29:56 > 0:30:00but your behaviour the other day could have had serious consequences.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- You'll write an apology to Kathleen. - What? But it wasn't my fault.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13It isn't the end of the matter,
0:30:13 > 0:30:14but it'll help.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- I'll write it tonight.- No, you'll go back to class and write it now.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Aw, it's very good, Mia.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27I'll put you down to go first.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29And it's with your mum, isn't it?
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Yes, miss.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39'Kathleen?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41'It's Mr Edwards. Could you pop in'
0:30:41 > 0:30:45before your afternoon shift? Shouldn't take a moment.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46That's fine.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48'Great, thanks. Bye.'
0:31:01 > 0:31:03What's this?
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Hey, give it back!
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Quick, pass it!- That's mine! Hey!
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Pass it on!- Give it!
0:31:10 > 0:31:12BELL RINGS
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Mr Edwards told me to write that for Kathleen.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37KNOCK AT THE DOOR
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Come in.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48HEARTBEAT POUNDS
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Megan?
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Thank you, Megan.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Is that acceptable?
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Yes, that's great.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Perhaps...?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18HEARTBEAT POUNDS AGAIN
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Are you happy with that, Kathleen?
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Yes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Thank you.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48Very good.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53Let's hope we can all move on from this. Go on, back to class.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14KNOCK ON DOOR
0:33:18 > 0:33:19Kathleen?
0:33:37 > 0:33:38Come in.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Would you like a juice or something?
0:33:44 > 0:33:45Mmm.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06"Dear Kathleen,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09"I asked you to read my story with me in the Christmas show
0:34:09 > 0:34:12"but you kept making excuses not to do it.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16"You knew how excited I was, and how much I was looking forward to it
0:34:16 > 0:34:19"and how much all the other children teased me
0:34:19 > 0:34:20"but you still didn't do it.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22"You lied about your glasses
0:34:22 > 0:34:25"and you left me to go to rehearsals all by myself.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27"I wanted you to read the good dragon
0:34:27 > 0:34:29"because you've always been kind to me.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32"But now I know you'd have been better being the bad dragon
0:34:32 > 0:34:35"because no-one good could make me feel this horrible.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37"I think what you did was really mean
0:34:37 > 0:34:39"and I won't say sorry."
0:34:42 > 0:34:45You didn't read the letter, did you?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48You told me you needed your glasses to read
0:34:48 > 0:34:50so why didn't you need them today?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Megan, I'm so sorry.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57I got myself in a terrible state.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59I wish more than anything
0:34:59 > 0:35:03I could be up on that stage, reading your story with you.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05You're a very special girl to me,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08you do know that, don't you?
0:35:08 > 0:35:13You might think this is a bit strange for an adult, but...
0:35:13 > 0:35:16I'm not very good at reading.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18So I try not to.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21The thought of reading anything more than a leaflet is just...
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Why didn't you say anything?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Sometimes grown-ups have secrets
0:35:26 > 0:35:29they don't want anyone to know about.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Sometimes you just feel so different
0:35:31 > 0:35:35you think no-one will ever understand.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38I should have been honest.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42I should never have let things get as far as they did.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Why do grown-ups always let me down?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Well...
0:35:48 > 0:35:50No...
0:35:50 > 0:35:53I know it's been difficult...
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Why didn't you learn to read at school?
0:35:55 > 0:35:58My mother was ill.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Her and my little sister Brenda needed looking after.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Things were different then.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07If you didn't turn up to school, people didn't notice so much.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09And then, when Brenda emigrated,
0:36:09 > 0:36:11it was all left up to me.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Least you had a mum.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I did.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19And I'm grateful for that.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21But sometimes,
0:36:21 > 0:36:23more since she's gone,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27I just wanted to be like everybody else.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30But every time I thought about learning,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32I found some reason not to.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Truth is, I was afraid.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41But you were always telling me to be strong and true to myself.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42I know.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44I thought you were my friend.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Oh, Megan, I am.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50You're just like Mum. Whenever it gets difficult,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52you just give up, hide away.
0:36:52 > 0:36:53I'm better off on my own.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Megan?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19PHONE RINGS
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Sorry.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24I've told you to leave us alone.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26'Did you give her my card?'
0:37:26 > 0:37:28She don't need your card.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30'I need to see her, Jimmy.'
0:37:30 > 0:37:31You should have thought of that
0:37:31 > 0:37:33before you ran off with your fancy man.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Sorry about that.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05This isn't a good time.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- I need to speak to Megan. - She doesn't want to speak to you.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12I can't get her out of her room, I couldn't get her to school today.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Tell her I'm sorry. I should have explained everything to her
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- properly from the beginning. - Is this about that bloody show?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Talking to Megan has made me realise
0:38:20 > 0:38:23I've spent too long hiding away from things.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25What are you talking about?
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I've closed myself off from so much.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- I need to conquer my dragons, as Megan might say.- What?
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- So I'm making changes.- What...?
0:38:33 > 0:38:38My sister, she gave me a computer, you know, to keep in touch
0:38:38 > 0:38:42and I won't go near it. I haven't tried anything new for 50 years
0:38:42 > 0:38:44but you know what? I'm going to start.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Great. I'm made up for you.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49But what has this got to do with me or Megan?
0:38:50 > 0:38:52I gave up my childhood
0:38:52 > 0:38:54and most of my adulthood too.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57I don't want that to happen to Megan.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59That girl needs her mother.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Kathleen. What would you know about it?
0:39:03 > 0:39:05My mum was on her own.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08It was just her and me for years.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I was scared to ask for help.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13And then, before you know it, it's too late to ask.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17It's not a crime to ask for help, Jimmy.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19You got to let Megan be a normal kid.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22She needs looking after. She needs her mum.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24I've had enough of this.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28Don't let her end up like me - afraid to join in with everyone else.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32Right now, she's hurt and angry at me.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34But soon it'll be you.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36And then you really will be on your own.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41You've got to let her mother get in touch.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Put Megan first.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Tell Megan...
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Tell her, I need her help,
0:39:48 > 0:39:49would you?
0:40:39 > 0:40:40How long you been here?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48This came off your mum.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58I think we need to have a proper chat.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14"And right at the top of the mountain
0:41:14 > 0:41:16- "the...guinea pig?"- Dad!
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Sorry, the dragon.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Who wrote this rubbish?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Hey! Stick to the lines!
0:41:21 > 0:41:22- You're on!- Oh.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29APPLAUSE
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Hello, everyone, and welcome to our Christmas show.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36We're going to read you a story called The Good Dragon.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Once upon a time, there were two dragons.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43A good dragon, and a bad dragon.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47'The good dragon was scared, and had to learn to be brave...'
0:41:47 > 0:41:48Go on.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Oh!
0:41:52 > 0:41:53'Kathleen?'
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Told you it was easy!
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Hello, Brenda!
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Hi, Kathleen!
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I'm so glad you're finally online,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05it'll be like I'm in your living room 24/7!
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Brenda, I drew this picture of you and Kathleen.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13That's great, Megan.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15I'm not so sure about Kathleen's hair, though!
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Hey! You don't look so clever yourself!
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- BRENDA LAUGHS - Now, what do you think of these?
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Oh, they're lovely.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- They're Mum's, aren't they? - Yeah, that's right!
0:42:26 > 0:42:27Oh, I like your top...
0:42:51 > 0:42:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd