Episode 18 Waterloo Road

-It's just me and you.

-Then we're over. I've had enough.

-I was wrong to think this could work.

-Please don't do this to me.

I'm sorry.

You and Michael?

They had a bit of a fling, just before you saw the light.

We crossed the line, never to be repeated.

At last, we have a head teacher with a firm hand.

Me and you are going to see a lot more of each other. Eh?

CAR BRAKES SCREECH

Mum! Being fussed over isn't exactly

the first impression I was going for.

-Now you've definitely got your pills?

-Yes!

-Dad's out tonight, so you guys can come round.

-Free house?

You know what you should be thinking? House party-y-y!

Let's do it

-Freddie?

-Mm?

-Are your alarms set for your pills?

-Yes, I told you.

Pills - check. Stationery - check. Overbearing mother - check.

OK, OK!

Give us a hug, then.

What's he doing?

Would you really let your mum do that on your first day?

Mum, you're mining new depths of uncool here. Just back off.

-I'll be fine.

-Sorry, I just...

-I'll see you later.

Don't worry, I'll try not to die.

I'll do you proud, mate.

I promise.

MOBILE RINGS

Hello?

Hello?

Come on, say something.

Coward!

School debate. Have you seen this?

As if our lot needs instruction on how to argue and answer back!

I think it's a great thing. Shows the kids they can aspire to something more.

Exactly. This school initiative is really positive.

Hear, hear! Here you are, babe. A cup of tea.

-You all right?

-Yeah.

-Just busy.

-You need to let off a bit of steam, you know where I am.

You know what they say the best relief for stress is?

-Thank you.

-Just saying, that's all.

-Oh Sian, I'm so sorry!

-It's OK.

No problem.

You look tired.

Must be all the late night rendezvous at Michael's flat.

I'm sorry?

The other night. I was there. I saw you both.

OK, everyone.

As some of you know, we have a very special visitor today.

Waterloo Road has been short-listed for a grant

of £50,000 from a local company.

The managing director's wife, Margaret Harker,

has been observing all the short-listed schools

and she'll have a big say in which school gets the final grant.

I think our debates this afternoon will help us to shine.

Oh great(!) So, more scrutiny, more pressure,

Just what we need(!)

Well, let's show her what Waterloo Road is all about

and our improved results aren't just a flash in the pan.

..turned this place around and he's dead brainy.

So, if you put Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela and Superman

all in a blender, you'd get Mr Byrne.

Well, I certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for your head.

-But the cheque hasn't been signed yet. We'll see how things go.

-Margaret...

-Welcome to Waterloo Road.

-Nice to see you again.

-I'm looking forward to what you have to show me.

-Excellent.

-You ready for the grand tour?

-Yes.

-Hey.

-Hiya.

-Just wanted to let you know I've given notice on the flat.

Right, OK. Well, we need to pay last month's rent,

but I'm going to sell the Bur-mobile.

No. I'll pay, it's fine. I'll see you later.

Whoa! Watch it!

Sorry.

I'm Freddie, by the way. It's my first day.

So, how you finding life in the land of the dumped?

You tell me! I'm sick of moping around.

Need to bounce back. Hey, you heard about a party tonight?

Yeah. Let's go get our hands on some women.

Really trying to make this place a much more positive environment.

Inspirational quotes, positive imagery.

I think it's really important to encourage these kids to aim high.

It's all really impressive, Michael.

This is exactly the sort of progressive thinking

that we value at the company.

If things move forward, we should talk about a joint PR strategy.

It's important that we're seen to be supporting the local community,

and a school with a celebrity headmaster is always handy.

Well, as I think you know, it's a team effort.

Speaking of which, allow me to introduce

-one of my Deputies, Sian Diamond.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Actually, we have a staff shortage issue.

The kids have produced exceptional art work this term.

-Perhaps you'd like to take a look? It might surprise you.

-Of course.

-Linda knows.

-What?

About us. She saw me at your flat.

-What did you say to her?

-Nothing. We were in the staffroom.

Jez was there. Do you think she'll tell him?

-I don't know. Let me talk to her. It'll be all right.

-OK.

Everything all right?

Er, a couple of suppliers have cancelled on us.

But we were hoping Mr Byrne might step in and cover the debate class?

Of course! My pleasure.

Ah! An added bonus.

I'll get to see the master in action, then?

Yes, I suppose you will. Well, I'd better get myself prepped, hadn't I?

This way.

Morning!

Morning. Good morning.

-You got a busy day ahead or...?

-Is there any other kind?

-Miss Radleigh, do you have a moment?

-Yes, of course.

-Mr Chalk, would you mind finishing off the grand tour for me?

-Me?

-Yes, show Mrs Harker around?

-Yes, of course.

-This way, please.

-Thank you

What have you said to Sian?

Didn't take her long to come running to you, did it?

I don't know what you think is going on...

Oh please, Michael!

I'd appreciate it if you kept this to yourself.

Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.

Anyway, while I've got you, there's this new lad just transferred in.

Freddie Jackson. He's in my form...

You know, my car got keyed that night.

-Sorry?

-You wouldn't know anything about that?

You were quite upset when you left.

Are you serious?

How juvenile do you think I am? I've better things to do with my time

than indulge in acts of petty vandalism.

If nothing else, I'm a professional, Michael. You know that.

Here's Freddie's file.

Why don't we just concentrate on the important things, hm?

-Watch yourself, mate!

-Here, let me help you.

Oh, thanks.

-I'm Freddie.

-Rhona.

Eurgh! Come on.

Oi! Won't your mum get jealous if she sees you talking to other girls?

No, but yours might.

Whoa, chill your boots!

-I was only joking! I didn't mean anything, mate!

-I'm not your mate.

Ah, you must be Freddie.

You making new friends already, then?

Knowing how to debate effectively can put the world

in the palm of your hand. It can decide wars,

affect the future of the planet.

Or just give you the opportunity to tell Simon Cowell

who you think should be the next number one.

LAUGHTER

Our topic, "Without law and order, we have no freedom."

A classic paradox.

GENERAL CLAMOUR

-Yes.

-A teacher's pet as well as a mummy's boy!

Impressive, right?

MOBILE BEEPS

Tut, tut! Shouldn't that be switched off?

So, I'm going to put you in teams of two to prepare for the debate.

Sir, can we be partners? Reckon we've got loads to talk about.

Freddie. You've met Phoenix already, haven't you?

-Er...

-Good! Then you two can be partners.

LAUGHTER

Right, I'm expecting great things from you lot today.

So turn to page 31 in your textbooks, and in twos, I want you to complete

the experiments that have been set out in front of you, OK?

-Heard about this party tonight?

-Yeah, someone mentioned it.

Should be fun. Is anyone going that you fancy?

-Er...

-Oh, go on! Who've you got your eye on?

Actually, I've kind of started seeing somebody.

-Oh, yeah?

-It's just a family friend.

-Really? Well, is it serious?

-It's early days,

my Dad really likes him,

so I'm going to see if I can make it work.

Lucky you! I wish I could find a decent fella.

You all right, girls? What's his name then?

Sorry?

This family friend?

-Finn, that was a private conversation.

-Not private enough.

Don't mess about, do you?

Who is he, then?

Guys, can we save the gossip for the playground, yeah?

Finn, back to your experiment.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

-What's Trudi playing at?

-You need to let her go, Finn.

-Hey, Lauren. Do you know who this guy is?

-What does it matter?

She likes him. Her family like him.

It's just not going to happen for you two. I'm sorry, mate.

Remember what I told you, guys.

Know your subject, keep your focus, but enjoy it, all right? Have fun!

Wonderful work, Michael. Wonderful.

-I'm looking forward to this afternoon.

-Nothing revolutionary, really.

For me, it's more a question of making it relate to them somehow.

Ah, I wish I'd had a teacher like you in my day.

-Freddie? What's your next class?

-PE.

What I want you to do is take all of that passion,

put in maximum effort.

It doesn't matter what people think, don't give up.

Just one thing. I forgot my kit. First day nerves.

That's all right. There'll be something in lost property.

-Thanks, sir.

-OK.

Phoenix, can I have a word for a second?

Do you mind going along to the staff room?

I'll be right behind you.

-What the hell are you playing at?

-You attacked that guy, I saw you.

What do you want?

Go to the police. Tell them what happened.

-It's not that easy, Phoenix.

-Why not?

Because it isn't!

What is all of this really about anyway?

-Just go to the police.

-What is it, money?

Fine. If it's money, here.

There's 100 there, right? But that's an end of it. We're done!

Wait a minute.

Where's the footage?

-Proud of yourself?

-Take it, get out.

-You look lost.

-Sort of. Got PE next.

The changing rooms are this way.

-Thanks.

-You're welcome.

How's your first day going?

Well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

Right.

It must be hard for the new kid.

Maybe we should, like, introduce ourselves?

You know, say hiya and that?

No, no, no. He'll be fine. Leave him to it. Come on.

What have you got next?

Oi, Phoenix. You ought to see the playlist for this party.

It's going to be sick!

-How many people have you invited?

-Don't worry about it.

-Seriously, man. How many?

-Just a few.

Oi, what's wrong?

You got a hairy back or summat?

LAUGHTER

KNOCKING ON WINDOW

Mrs Diamond?

There's a problem with the supplies for my next lesson.

-What?

-I will show you. This way.

-Sorry.

-Have you spoken to Linda?

Yeah, I don't think she'll say anything.

Well, that's something, but if other people know,

then I have to tell Jez now.

He can't be the last to hear.

Do you think that's a good idea?

Yes. He deserves to hear it from me.

It's the least I can do. I'm going to tell him tonight.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Come on, boys, talk to each other.

Move into space, ask for the ball.

-Don't make me look silly, boys.

-Pass!

Come on, come on!

Come on, Freddie, get stuck in. Get your team going.

So, what's next?

Could you just wait here, just one minute?

I thought I was supposed to be shadowing you. What's the matter?

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-That's it, boys. That's it, run!

Look up for your players.

# Why would you say My head's a mess?

# You know I couldn't care less. #

Look up for your players.

-Go on, mate!

-He's just skinned ya, again.

That's it, Freddie. Go on, take the ball. Run, son, run!

Go on, Freddie. Go on, Freddie. Go on, mate, go for it, that's it.

-Go on, Freddie...

-OUTSIDE NOISE FADES

WHISTLE BLOWS

-You all right, son?

-Freddie?

-What's wrong with him?

-I'm fine, please.

-I just need to get my breath back.

-Why didn't you tell anyone?

I just wanted to do as you told me, sir.

-What's going on?

-He has a heart condition.

-You what? Why didn't I know that?

Phoenix, go and get the nurse. We can play the blame game later.

Mrs Harker, why don't you come with me? We'll continue the tour.

Tattoos or piercings?

Mmm...I'm not sure. What do you think?

-Tattoos.

-Really? Would you ever get one?

Yeah, course I would, would you?

I don't know. Maybe. Do you think they're cool?

Yeah, well cool. Do you?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well cool.

I'm so going to get one.

Hiya. Phoenix is having a party tonight because his dad's away.

Do you fancy coming?

BOTH: Yeah!

Oh, gosh, you two are worse than us.

-I thought we were the only twins at this school!

-THEY LAUGH

Sounds like we need to get some booze in.

You up for a little lunchtime field trip?

You're lucky he's all right. I've got a good mind to sue!

-Mrs Jackson, I...

-Mum, I'm fine. It was just a funny turn.

If you knew his medical history, why on earth was he allowed to do PE?

It just slipped through the net.

-"It slipped through the net"?!

-DOOR OPENS

-I heard what happened, is everything all right?

-Who's this?

-This is Miss Radleigh, Freddie's form tutor.

-And what have you got to say?

Well, I gave Mr Byrne Freddie's file with all the info.

Unbelievable. I should go to the press about this.

-See how much you like reading about yourself then.

-There's no need for that.

Freddie's all right. The nurse checked him over thoroughly.

-Well, I'm taking him home.

-If you think that's best.

No, Mum, I don't want to go home. You heard him. They checked me out, I'm fine.

-I'm happy to keep Freddie here if that's what he wants.

-Absolutely not.

He's coming home, where he belongs, where he's safe.

So I can just be a prisoner again?

Freddie?

-Mrs Jackson.

-Maybe just give them a minute. Mmm?

How much did you know about Freddie?

I had exactly the same info as you had from the enrolment form.

Do you do this deliberately?

What?!

You think I'd put the safety of a child in jeopardy because of you?

Don't flatter yourself. I gave you his file.

I told you to read it. I did everything right!

If you knew it was that important, you should've made it 100% clear.

This is on you.

What the hell?

We tried, but you're not up to it. Come on, let's go home.

-You know how much this means to me. How much I've been through, I'm not going back home.

-Freddie.

-I'm not leaving school. You'll have to drag me, kicking and screaming.

-Then that's what I'll do.

If you're not going to let me live my life,

you may as well have just let me die in there!

All right, all right. I don't want you getting worked up.

You can stay, if that's what you want.

Just please promise me you'll be careful?

Yes. Just leave me alone, Mum.

Please, OK?

He's staying. On your head be it.

Superhead, my arse.

CHILDREN LAUGH

Well, what are you all looking at? Get inside your classrooms. Now!

MUSIC: "Go Outside" by Cults

Phoenix, is it true we're having a massive party at ours tonight?

Yep, party to end all parties.

-That's if we can get our hands on some cash.

-All right, calm down.

Phoenix, where've you got this money from?

Does it really matter?

Do you want to sit here?

OTHER TABLE GIGGLES

Er...no, I've got to go. See you.

Ah. Come to keep your hubby company, have you?

Something like that, yeah. Erm...

Do you have any plans for this evening?

I was going to have a little kick-around in the park with Zack, but...

Why, what have you got to offer?

I thought maybe we could have dinner together, just the two of us.

Absolutely. Right, the kick-around's just been postponed. I tell you what, I'll cook.

-No, please don't go to any trouble.

-No, seriously, it's fine.

You can relax and I'll take care of everything.

Nothing but the best for you, my love.

-I can't wait.

-I'll see you, then.

You lot, scarper. Go.

What the hell is this?

My literacy homework.

I guess you understand why I want to get away from here,

from you...

You think any of this is fair?!

Mr Byrne?

What's wrong?

The lad was...mouthing off, that's all. Off you go, Phoenix. Go!

He was mouthing off. I won't repeat any of what he was saying obviously,

but we have certain standards of conduct here

-and they will be upheld.

-Indeed.

Why don't we go to your office?

-I was just about to show Mrs Harker the delights of the canteen.

-Great.

Er... It's just this way.

-Oi, new kid. Heard you've got a pig's heart or something.

-Eurgh!

-Is that true then?

-Have you got a scar?

-What?

-Can we see it?

-What? No.

Leave him alone. He don't want to talk about it.

-Is it a human heart? Is it a girl's heart?

-That's mad. Can they even do that?

-Stop it.

-Shut up! Just leave me alone, all of you.

Please tell me that you don't think he's still fit?

-Hey.

-Do one. I'm not in the mood.

What's the matter? You scared or something?

Scared, of you? Don't be stupid.

-Come on, then.

-I'm not going to fight you.

Why not? Come on, why not?

I'm not going to fight some little weirdo

with some heart condition, am I?

CROWD JEER

Don't start something you can't finish.

< Phoenix.

Come on. I said, come on!

Phoenix!

Miss, that new kid's got Phoenix's bike!

What is going on with you and Phoenix? Are you OK?

Just frazzled, all this business with Freddie.

I really dropped the ball there.

-If we're to stand any chance of getting this grant...

-Margaret isn't stupid. She knows

you have a difficult job, she'll expect curveballs.

-There's just so much to do with the debate.

-I can help out with the debate.

Don't tell me that's what you're stressed out about.

Are you really going to tell Jez about us?

You don't want me to?

No. I just... I just worry about what it'll mean for both of us...

..if it becomes public knowledge.

-We can't keep it a secret for ever.

-Sorry to interrupt.

Don't tell me. There's a meteor headed for Waterloo Road.

Not exactly.

-Right, what is it?

-Freddie's gone AWOL.

-What?

-He drove off on Phoenix's moped.

-You didn't think to stop him?

-I'll call Mrs Jackson.

-No, I'll deal with this.

-Where are you going?

-I'm going to find him myself.

-Michael!

-What we doing here?

-Five-finger discount.

You keep guard, and... I'll get us a bottle.

# As I start this story

# I might shed a tear or two Just for effect

# The day started at six And started with the flick... #

That was easy. He didn't even look at me.

-Oi!

-Quick, run!

# I'm happy when I'm happy Happy when I'm sad

# Happy cos it's Monday

# I'm happy when the tears Come rolling down my face

# Happy cos it's Monday... #

That was too close.

Don't worry. He was never going to catch us.

He won't find us round here.

We should be getting back now.

Come on. We just got started.

What would you rather be, stuck in boring lessons

or come and have some fun with me?

Oh, look. What a coincidence.

SHE LAUGHS

You're not serious?

You planned this?

What? Not scared, are you?

I just feel so bad for the lad.

If I'd known he had a heart transplant, I never would've let him play football.

-Everything OK, Linda?

-Fine.

Actually, no, it's not. I know we're supposed to be on-message today, but Michael's doing my head in.

All right, well...

He refuses to take any responsibility over Freddie.

It's you and me that'll get dragged over the coals for this.

It's not enough he has a special relationship with your wife.

Erm, what's that supposed to mean?

Oh, come on, do I have to draw you a picture?

You know what? Behave, Linda.

-You're just stirring because Michael gave you a knock-back.

-Oh, please.

I've got to get to class.

Don't take any notice of her, mate.

MUSIC: "Gob" by DELS

MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY

-Hush! Right, let's get on. Graham Abbot.

-Here.

Jodie Allen?

Jodie Allen?

No, sir. She's...she's not here.

Oh, and neither is Emily James.

Ah, Mr Clarkson.

I think you should know, as deputy head,

that I have two girls mysteriously absent.

Oh, no prizes for guessing who. Right, OK, leave it with me.

Mm.

I'm not too sure about this.

Come on, Scout. It's going to be dead cool, this. A statement.

You and me against the world. Sisters, bonded forever.

Yeah. Does it really hurt as bad as they say?

-There's only one way to find out.

-MOBILE PHONE RINGS

It's school.

HANGS UP PHONE

Don't chicken out now.

I'm sorry I let you down, mate.

Freddie?

Been looking for you everywhere, what on earth are you trying to do?

-Come on, enough of this. You need to come back to school, now.

-I'm not going anywhere.

-Do you want your mother to find out about this?

-Do you?

No.

No, I don't.

I didn't want to go back to my old school.

Being two years behind everyone else, everyone staring at me.

I just wanted to be normal.

To be able to go to school like everyone else.

To run around, to muck about, have a laugh.

Now everyone thinks I'm a freak.

No, you're just different, that's all.

That's OK.

Why don't you come back to school and we'll deal with this?

I'll help you in whatever way I can.

Just be honest.

People will accept you the way you are.

But you have to give them a chance.

I think we should get that bike back to its rightful owner.

I wish I was more like Phoenix.

You're much better off as you.

Time to face the music.

Nice of you to come back.

As if it's not enough that the two of you were caught playing truant, again,

we've had a call from a shopkeeper in town.

Said two girls in Waterloo Road uniforms were seen shoplifting vodka.

Well, it doesn't take Hercule Poirot to put that one together, does it,

given your previous history?

Hand it over.

He's decided not to press charges, though why I stuck up for you, I don't know.

What you fidgeting at? What's wrong with your arm?

-Er, nothing.

-Show me!

Show me yours.

Oh, well, this just gets better and better, doesn't it?

Your mum's going to love this one.

Mrs Harker, welcome to our grand finale!

We wondered if you might like to be on the judging panel?

-I'd be honoured.

-Great.

Where is Mr Byrne, by the way?

One of our pupils has gone off site.

He's gone to get him.

He always goes the extra mile for these kids.

If there's a problem - he gets involved - that's just his style.

We're very lucky to have him.

I think he's lucky to have you.

Well, you know what they say - behind every great man...

-is an exhausted woman.

-Yes.

-No, it's good to see he obviously has the support of his senior staff.

-Full support, absolutely.

I've just spoken with Emily's mum.

There's no easy way of saying this,

but she's speaking to Social Services about you staying somewhere else.

What? No, she can't do that!

I want to stay at Emily's.

Where else am I supposed to go?

They're looking into foster care.

No.

No, no, please...

Look, your Social Worker will be looking after your best interests.

It's out of my hands.

I'm sorry, Scout, but you've brought this on yourself.

Before you say anything, I shouldn't have taken your bike, I'm sorry.

After this you're finished, heart condition or not, mate.

Freddie, would you like to sit down now, please?

-Is there a problem, Phoenix?

-There could be for someone.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means, I'm going to be up there,

with a microphone and a video projector.

-You wouldn't dare.

-Wouldn't I?

Good afternoon, everyone.

I'd like to thank you all very much for coming,

a very warm welcome to the Waterloo Road School Debate.

Now, for those of you unfamiliar with how this works,

our students will debate in teams of two,

one to take the affirmative and one the negative.

The students will be graded by both myself and our judging panel,

and the marks will count towards their final English grades.

So, without any further ado, I suggest we begin.

The West uses the excuse of freedom to run amok all over the Middle East.

They've tried to bring democracy to these countries,

and look what's happened.

Violence, death, civil unrest...

Maybe democracy is worth those sacrifices.

But surely that's just ideological imperialism.

Or maybe the values are just stupid.

Maybe their beliefs are outdated.

Maybe some people need someone from outside to open their eyes.

You're only capable of seeing things from your cultural perspective.

Maybe I'm only capable of seeing the truth.

People should have the freedom to choose what they really want, not be dictated to.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

MUSIC: "Pretend" by Emika

# That we are friends

# Till the end

# Just for tonight

# We can pretend

# That we are friends

# Till the end

# Just for tonight... #

Feminism paved the way for female role-models

such as Lady Gaga, Madonna and Katy Perry.

From the Suffragettes to Cheryl Cole, women are leaders now.

Freedom for women is a good thing.

Go, girl power!

AUDIENCE GIGGLING

MUTED APPLAUSE

Well done, girls - very...interesting point of view.

# Just for tonight

# We can pretend... #

Now to our next debaters, Phoenix and Freddie, would you like to present your rebuttal, please?

-I'd like to remind you to stick to the subject.

-Are we allowed to use visual aids?

-Absolutely not.

-Shame, cos I'd something prepared.

Well you can't use it!

Freddie, your rebuttal, please.

Feminism...is one kind of freedom,

but...freedom means different things to different people.

Look, a lot of you don't know me.

It's my first day here.

But, to me, just being here, being able to run, to play footy,

it probably seems like nothing to you, but I've been dreaming about it.

To me, this is freedom.

You take it for granted every single day.

I know you've all heard stuff about me.

So if you really want to know...

I'll just show you.

GASPING

I had a heart transplant.

A human heart, from another boy.

James Andrew O'Connor.

VOICE BECOMES FAINT AND ECHOING

He was driving back from a training session with his dad.

They got into a crash on the bypass. A drunk driver hit them.

He was in a coma...

..and he died.

He was a boxer. A fighter.

19 years old.

Whole life ahead of him, then...nothing.

All gone.

Someone gave their life to give me the freedom I now have.

And, I suppose, to some extent,

I've been trying to live his life...

..to carry on where he left off.

I wish I could be like James.

But I can't live a lie.

And I can only be me.

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

Remarkable.

Well done, Freddie. Really, very well done.

That's it.

PULSING DRUMS AND LOUD BREATHING

Sorry...

To conclude, we have...

Thank you, Mr Byrne.

So, a huge round of applause for everyone involved this afternoon, thank you.

The panel will now retire and work out the grades for everyone involved.

If you listen carefully, you should be able to hear

the sound of 50 grand being flushed down the toilet.

Well, that was, er, interesting.

Well done.

Must be something in the air today.

Poor lad, bad enough having heart trouble at my time of my life, but at his age...

I don't know, affairs of the myogenic muscular organ, eh?

You, erm, fancy a drink later?

What, really? Unless you...

No, the pub's perfect, I'll see you there.

It was all a bit of a mess in there, weren't it?

Yeah, well, we did our best under difficult circumstances, so...

Let's go home and open a bottle of wine, eh?

I can't tonight, something's come up.

Yeah? With who?

One of my uni mates - she got dumped,

I said I'd go round and take care of her.

I tried to get out of it, but it was, you know, difficult.

Well, another night, eh?

Yeah, sorry.

Michael, what the hell is going on, are you all right?

Leave me alone!

Who do you think you are?

You think I wanted any of this to happen? Do you?!

You don't understand the situation.

You've no idea how complicated this is, Wayne Johnson is an animal!

-I just...

-It's not enough that you try and blackmail me,

now you send me, what, a funeral wreath? What was all that about?!

-Do you want me dead?!

-I don't know what you're talking about!

-Come on, the crank calls, the threats...

-What crank calls?

Michael, stop it! Stop it!

-Are you all right?

-Yeah.

Go home.

-Is he all right?

-Phoenix, go home.

Michael?

No, I'll walk.

I said, I'll walk.

-See you in a bit.

-Freddie?

Yeah?

-Look, I'm, er...really sorry for earlier.

-Right.

So, how do you fancy coming to a party?

Yeah?

Uh-huh. I'll see you later, all right?

Listen to me. Wherever they put you, they're not going to keep us apart, OK?

What if I don't get to see you?

I could end up in another school, another city.

I've told you. I don't care where you end up. I'm not going to lose you.

I can't believe this is happening. We were only having a laugh.

-Why are you REALLY upset, Scout?

-What?

I mean...are you upset about going into foster care?

Or are you upset about leaving me?

I'm upset about leaving you.

I've already lost one sister.

I'm not going to lose another one.

This isn't just about Phoenix mouthing off. Something is going on.

-It's complicated.

-Tell me.

I think someone's stalking me.

What?

You know about the break-ins, but that's not the half of it.

I've had my car keyed, all kinds of threats,

crank calls at night, and now this.

Why didn't you say something before?

I didn't think I could trust anyone.

You can trust me.

Come here. Come here.

No-one can be strong all the time, OK?

I've told Jez that I'm busy tonight.

You're not going to tell him?

No, I am, just not tonight.

We'll just have to trust that Linda doesn't say anything.

I think that we should maybe get away,

book a hotel, somewhere that you can relax and get a good night's sleep.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Michael...

Hold...hold on a second.

-Margaret, hi! Come in.

-Is everything all right? I've been looking for you.

If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to avoid me.

Of course. Sorry.

We were having a debrief.

Actually, I was meaning to find you.

I wanted to apologise for how I've been behaving. Sorry if I seemed...

-..you know...

-Yes?

Actually, I've been dealing with some issues outside of my work here.

But I hope you'll agree that the entire school,

students AND teachers, have put on a great show for you,

and I can promise you, hand on heart, that any investment here

will be well used and everyone will reap the rewards tenfold.

I'm sorry, but on the basis of what I've seen today,

I'm not going to be able to recommend Waterloo Road for the grant.

Thank you for your hospitality.

As you say, there's some real potential here with these kids.

And Mrs Diamond is a real asset to your team.

But as a head teacher...

frankly, you need to leave your own troubles, whatever they may be,

-outside the door.

-I know today wasn't my finest hour.

There are mitigating circumstances.

We were short-staffed, I've got kids playing truant.

The decision is final, Michael.

I'm sorry.

Hiya. Look, I've been thinking,

and I want to give you this towards the rent.

How?

The Bur-mobile was a better investment than you thought.

Thanks, but it's all right, I can get the money.

I'm not your problem any more.

You take care, Vics.

Steady on.

Cheers for letting me come, Phoenix. I hope we can be mates.

Yeah, sure...

MOBILE BEEPS

Right, who wants to go outside and play Ice To See You?

Yeah? Come on.

Ready...steady...go!

Go on, get in there! Go on! Oh, yeah, go on, Finn lad!

# Now I'm only falling apart

# There's nothing I can do A total eclipse of the heart... #

Sorry about that. I just made some room for the buffet.

# Now there's only love in the dark

# Nothing I can say A total eclipse of the heart... #

-So...

-Yep.

CLEARS THROAT

I'm no good at this dating lark. It's not really my thing.

No, me neither.

Why don't we just skip the preamble

and have a night of wild, passionate sex?

SHE LAUGHS

I've always liked you, Rhona.

I'm Shona.

All right, mate, how's the quest going?

-Do you even have to ask?

-FINN BELCHES

Oh, this is ridiculous.

Look at all these birds. We've got to sort our heads out,

get back in the game.

-Hiya.

-Hi.

What?

-Knock it off, Ro!

-What?

-It is obvious

you're not over Vicki. I'm not up for being your rebound.

-It's not like that.

-Oh, really?

Look, yeah, I admit that I'm having a crap time of it at the moment.

But that doesn't mean that I don't like you.

All right, well, let's not rush things, yeah?

And you need to look after Finn. He's wasted.

I'm going home, all right?

What was going on with Mr Byrne today?

He seemed to have a meltdown. Honestly, it was bad.

Excuse me. I just want to let you know you look really fit tonight.

-And you're drunk.

-So what?

-No, Finn, come on.

-Finn, get off.

LAUGHTER

Let's go.

-Finn, come back, mate.

-Leave me alone.

BOTH: # You and me could write a bad romance

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# I want your love and all your lover's revenge

# You and me could write a bad romance

# Woah-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

# Oh-oh-oh, caught in a bad romance... #

Down it, down it! Down it, down it!

OK. That's Denzil there, Thursday with a fiver at five-to-one.

-What's all this?

-I'm taking some bets.

-What on?

On when we think Mr Byrne's going to quit.

The guy's obviously cracking up. You seen him in the debate today.

He's a goner. You want in?

What?

I tell you what, I'll give you ten-to-one on him never coming back.

This is great. I don't know why you'd want to give up all this

-just to join the Army.

-I'm not going into the Army, mate.

You what? I thought you were dead set on it.

Nah, I never really wanted to join up.

I just didn't want to be here.

Freddie?

Are you all right?

I'm all right.

Honestly.

Freddie?

Freddie!

Phoenix is going to kill me. Tell him I'll pay him for any damage.

Don't worry about it. It's a house party -

someone was bound to throw up or break something at some point.

You kinda killed two birds with one stone.

-Are you going to be all right, though?

-Yeah. I think so.

HE RETCHES

Look, Freddie, not everything in life

has to be a competition.

Why don't you just take some time and chill out a bit?

I just wanted to show people...

I know what you was trying to do, but you can't do it all in one day.

Do you remember what you said in your speech?

I'm sorry about today. I should have stuck up for you.

Nobody's perfect, right?

Right.

This is all my fault.

-This whole school was counting on me, and I blew it.

-You're only human.

It didn't work out this time. There will be other opportunities.

I don't know what I would have done without you today, Sian.

You don't have to come, you know? I'll be all right.

I want to come.

I love you, Sian.

Do you know that?

PHONE RINGS

'You're through to Sian. I'm unavailable right now,

'but leave me a message and I'll get back to you when I can.'

-I think you've got the wrong idea.

-Want to have sex?

No! You've definitely got the wrong idea!

Has Michael been staying at the Regency Hotel?

Erm, no, and if he had, I'd know about it. And you can't be here.

I've found my answer.

-We went all the way.

-You had sex?!

-Yeah.

I'm not a virgin any more,

thanks to a lovely boy in Year 13.

-Look, nothing happened!

-So what if it did, man?

It didn't!

It's Michael, isn't it? You were with him last night!

Oh, God!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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