Episode 20 Waterloo Road

My resignation. I don't want to be your deputy head any more.

It's Michael, isn't it?

-I want to stay at Emily's, Where else can I go?

-They're looking into foster care.

Where did you get this?

I really don't want to go home tonight.

Can I stay at yours?

PHONE RINGS

Are you going to answer that?

Look, you're going to have to talk to her eventually.

Well, don't you think your kids deserve an explanation?

I'm off to work. At least try and eat something.

PHONE CONTINUES RINGING

Good morning, guys. Looking sharp.

-Thanks, sir.

-It's how we roll, sir.

Phoenix?

I just wanted to apologise to you for having to witness that incident

-and I got your note, thank you.

-No problem.

That's all over now.

Your nan would be proud of you for being so grown-up.

-You OK, sir?

-Yeah. I'll see you later.

Morning.

When's Dad coming back to work?

Er, maybe he's on his way in. I'll give him a call, shall I?

This is what I've been working towards all of my career.

-This is what we've been discussing for the last year.

-Yeah, but it isn't that easy.

-It's not just us, is it?

-But this is a great opportunity!

-We'd be nuts not to take it.

-We'll talk about it later.

Talk about what?

Anyway, shouldn't you be heading in?

Yep, sure. Just get my bags. You ready in two, love?

All set for prize-giving? I heard you practising it sounded brilliant.

-I'm looking forward to it.

-You're coming?

-Of course. Simon wants to but something's come up.

-Julie! Have you seen my laptop lead?

Have a good day, love. See you at the prize-giving.

How was your dad about you and Haris splitting up?

-Not good.

-It can't have been easy for him.

-It wasn't.

-But it's more important to my dad that I'm happy.

-Cool.

-So?

-I know who you two are voting for in the Pupils' Choice Prize.

-Not her. She's already on top of everything.

Don't vote for Dad for Best Teacher cos I'll not hear the end of it.

-Here we go!

-Just grow up, Tariq!

What are you - seven?

Is this why you left early, sis?

Lied about helping with the prize-giving, so you could meet up with this muppet?

-So you're not happy.

-I want you to stop messing with my family.

-She's promised to someone else!

-I am not. You're twisting it!

Is that why you can't tell Dad about it?

They're moving to Bristol?

Simon's been offered a job. I don't want to go.

Who do I know in Bristol? I've never even been there.

Can't you can move to another family and stay here?

This is so unfair.

Like they're gonna turn down a job for some foster kid.

They're not going to split us up. Don't worry.

"Best Effort in Science",

"Best Performance in Extra-Curricular Activities".

Don't know why they don't just give all of them a prize and be done.

-He's just nervous about his acceptance speech.

-What?

-"Most Inspirational Teacher".

-Hi.

-Hiya. ..Still no Jez, then.

Do I detect trouble in paradise?

-Looks like it.

-Come on, you lot sound like a bunch of fishwives.

Morning, everybody! All ready for the prize-giving?

I have in here the names of all of today's winners, bar two -

the pupils' choices for student and teacher of the term, which they'll be voting later on.

Just to spice things up, the winning teacher will receive this case of wine!

Now I know it's been a pretty full-on term.

-You've had to get used to my way of doing things...

-Me, me, me...

I hope that you feel, as I do, that we've made some sort of... DOOR OPENS

-..progress.

-Hey, you're back.

-Just to get my kids and stuff.

-You're leaving?

I haven't got much choice. My boss has been shagging my wife.

Grantly, you're the union rep - I need to talk to you.

If I may contin...

Jez.

I'm sorry, Grantly, but I need to speak to my husband.

Yeah.

I'll be in my room.

I've been worried about you.

It's a bit late for that.

Where are you going? You're going to take the kids?

What's it got to do with you? You're not their mum.

And you're not my wife. Not any more.

Right, I've got the pack. Now.

I need new foster parents who aren't moving to Bristol.

I reckon I've got a solution.

Is everything all right?

It is now, thanks.

-So what's this solution then?

-Leave it with me.

Oh, so you work for social services now, do you?

Right, quick as we can with the register, please.

I have important union business to attend to.

Where are you going? We've got music practice.

Like I said, I'm sorting it out for you.

Just tell Mr Wilding I've got something on. Sir, I'm here. I just need to speak to Mr Chalk...

Hi.

Tom.

Sorry, I haven't cleared my desk properly.

I didn't know Jez was coming in.

No, he's, erm...pretty upset.

It's not surprising.

Has he said much to you...?

Not really. He hasn't got off the sofa in three days.

I'm sorry you got caught up in all of this.

-It's OK.

-It won't be long before Zack and Madi find out.

I expect the whole school knows by now...

I'll see you later.

Just phone me back, yeah? I nearly died!

I want to see my daughter. You said you'd bring her in.

Please. I can't stand this.

Grantly.

-Jez.

-I'm here in my capacity as Jeremy's union representative.

What can I do for you?

Jeremy believes that as a result of the situation between yourself

and Mrs Diamond, his position as a member of staff is now untenable.

Well, I agree that what's happened makes things difficult,

but I'd rather not lose any members of staff over this.

You are the head teacher. You have slept with your deputy

and cuckolded your head of PE.

If that isn't constructive dismissal, I don't know what is.

You're right but, Jeremy, you and I need to talk about this.

Plus it's bad for morale.

It undermines the trust amongst staff.

We believe it constitutes a gross dereliction of duty on your part.

What?

We will draft a letter of complaint and send it to the governors.

Hold on a minute. I'm sure we can sort this out without resorting to...

You will get a copy of the complaint in due course.

Doesn't feel great, does it?

-When you realise everything you care about is going to be taken away from you.

-Jeremy...

The distance you've come in one term is incredible.

I'm really proud of you.

So just enjoy yourselves this afternoon, yeah?

Oi, no showing off. No-one likes a show off.

Sorry to interrupt, Mr Wilding. I need to speak with Jodie Allen.

-Can it not wait until break time?

-It really can't, I'm afraid. Jodie?

-I'll get the others to fill you in on anything you miss.

-Thank you.

Right...shall we go from the chorus? OK. Five, six...

Take a seat.

I got your letter.

Right.

Whatever's been happening, you can tell me.

OK? I'm on your side?

So, do you think you can tell me when you first noticed this?

Which bit?

-The things your foster father did that made you feel uncomfortable.

-The what?

The way he touched you.

I know this is difficult

but between school and social services, we will make you safe.

-So I'll get moved to different foster parents, then?

-Most likely.

But you will have to tell me what happened.

Well, last day of term. Yes! And traditionally we play games

and watch videos.

-ALL: Yes!

-Criticism questions from last year's A Level.

45 minutes,

no talking.

Mr Budgen, can I take Madi, please?

Bring all your stuff, love.

Right, what's going on? Why have you pulled us out of class?

I'm sorry, right, but I need to talk to both of you.

We've been waiting to hear from you for three days. Couldn't it have waited until break?

I'm sorry - things have been difficult, all right?

-Look, we're going to go to Ireland, the three of us.

-What?

-So we can spend some proper time together. All right?

-Ireland?

Yeah, we can visit your Auntie Liz.

We're going to stay there for the holidays...maybe a bit longer

and there's a ferry that we can get on this afternoon.

-I'm not going anywhere until you tell us what's going on.

-I can't.

Dad, you disappeared for three days straight.

Not a word and we were worried sick.

Tell us what's going on or we're not going anywhere, right?

Me and Sian are separating.

-I knew it.

-How can you do this?

You leave Mum, now we're getting close to Sian

and you're ruining everything again! You're so selfish!

-Zack, mate...

-Zack!

You see, I didn't want it to be like this.

And going to Ireland would make everything OK?

Jodie Allen is in a right state.

She has made some serious allegations about her foster father.

-You believe her?

-At first I didn't know what to think,

but I've spoken to her and, well, something's not right.

-We should inform the police.

-Yeah, OK. I'll do it.

Are you OK?

Yeah. I mean, our problems aren't going anywhere, are they?

-Madi?

-Stay away from me.

Is everything OK?

What have you done? I can't believe you wrote that!

-I thought it was going to be that I hated them.

-It'll get you out of there.

They go to Bristol, you stay here - job done.

-But Simon's not like that.

-Well, he might be.

-He's not!

Look, it'll be fine. It wasn't anything really bad.

You'll get moved and they'll be gone.

Or, if you'd rather, tell them it was me and see what happens.

You can go to Bristol and I'll get permanently excluded.

You asked me to sort it.

I did.

-Why did it have to be so harsh?

-Cos I was trying to help you.

You're my best friend, my only friend.

I'm doing this so we can stay together. Just trust me.

I do...

-All right, if you think it'll work.

-It will.

I promise you.

Hello, Emily. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to step outside.

I was just checking she's OK, Miss.

Do you know about what's happened?

Can't believe it's happening to her too, just like my sister.

You'll be OK, I promise.

It's great you've got strong friends around you.

So I've just called social services and the police.

It's for the best, Jodie, OK?

He's lobbed it all the way over there!

Get down from there immediately!

Someone's thrown his bag on the roof, sir.

-Who?

-Er...it was me, sir.

-Ooh, I've heard 'em all now.

-Get the Site Manager, it's up here!

Sharkey - cooler, now!

More for stupidity than disobedience.

Please, Mum, ring us back. I really need to talk to you.

I've been looking for you everywhere, are you OK?

She's not answering. I want to see her.

She's probably just got her hands full with Granddad.

Hey, listen. Don't be too hard on Dad.

-He's having a really hard time.

-Do you know something?

No...it's just, he wouldn't finish with Sian unless he had to.

Look, we'll have a ten times better time

when we're away.

-Dad really wants us with him.

-Let me know when you want to go.

Erm, will you give this to him? It's my resignation.

Oh, I'm sorry to see you leave... not that I can blame you.

Yeah, well.

Erm, so I guess we're not speaking then, you know,

because of the other night?

You were really wasted.

And I know that it didn't mean nothing...

OK, yeah.

Er, look, Tom said that you took me back to his...

thanks for doing that.

Yeah, and we kissed.

-We what?

-YOU came on to ME. And I KNOW it's because you're cut up over Sian.

-Are you kidding me?

-Well, nothing actually happened!

-You don't need to be so rude, it wasn't even that good a kiss.

-I really don't need this right now.

So can you, like, just try and keep your mouth shut for a bit?

Hey, everything all right?

Yeah, I just want to get out of here.

-Jez, you sure you want to go ahead with this complaint?

-Yeah. Why?

-It could go on for months, you might not win.

-It'll make me feel better.

It's not going to get Sian back, is it?

Well, if that's not what you want,

then go for it, I'm just thinking of you, mate.

Jodie, there's a female police officer here to see you.

Ruth's a specialist in cases like this.

I've been thinking, maybe I've made too big of a deal out of it...

I can't go through all this again.

-Would you prefer it if I stay?

-Miss, please. I just need to get some air, all right?

OK, but don't be too long, all right?

Let me in!

I've got out of hospital cos you won't answer your phone.

I know you're in there!

You can't do this!

But I'm her foster mother.

I can't. Mr Byrne said no.

Hi, is there a problem?

I need to talk to Jodie Allen. It's an emergency,

and this person says I can't even speak to the head.

-I'm terribly sorry. Follow me.

-I was told not to...

Er, thank you, Janeece. I'll take it from here.

Michael, hi. Slight mix-up outside. This is...

Julie Walker, Jodie Allen's foster mum. I just need to talk to her.

An allegation's been made, I'm afraid we can't let you see her. You shouldn't really be here.

-Janeece obviously got confused.

-It must have been a misunderstanding.

It's a police matter now.

I'm afraid you'll have to leave the premises. I'm very sorry.

My husband's just been put in handcuffs.

-Linda, would you see Ms Walker out, please.

-It's OK, I'm going.

But you tell Scout I was here.

I can't go back in there and lie to the police. They'll guess I've made it all up.

Act like you're traumatised, you'll be fine.

It's easy for you to say, you don't have to sit in there, do you?

-'Why on earth is she doing this?'

-Quick, hide. It's your foster mum.

'I just need to talk to her.'

Oh, this is a nightmare. Oh, God, I'm going to be in so much trouble.

Let's get out of here.

BELL RINGS

Where's the teacher?

Gone for lunch. Don't worry, I didn't grass you up.

That's not why I'm here.

I just want to talk.

So, you like Trudi.

You care for her and stuff?

Yeah, I do.

And she has feelings for you, right?

-I think so.

-You see, that's the problem. You're just gonna hurt her.

I won't! Look, I would never...

Why would you want to come between Trudi and her dad? It's just not worth it, man.

Stop messing with her feelings, and find yourself some other girl.

You've got no right to pick who she sees.

My dad does. And he needs her.

You see, since our mum passed,

she's been holding this family together.

I mean it. We're flesh and blood!

I'm not going to let you go there.

You'll be fine, we'll be drinking champagne later.

-I'll hold you to that.

-Oh, have you come bearing gifts?

It's your last day. There was a time when pupils

thanked teachers for their commitment to their education.

Is Mrs Diamond in? I'm expecting exam results.

-She said midday.

-Mrs Diamond has got her hands full at the minute.

Here you go.

Oh, not what you were hoping for? Oh, well, never mind.

Better luck next time, eh?

-So, what did you get?

-A "B".

-Hey, that's brilliant.

-No, it's not.

I need an A to get into Sheffield and I want to stay close to home.

Well, Southampton will give you a place with a B

-and it's the same course, you said it yourself.

-I know.

So I'm still buying the champagne tonight, then?

Are you OK? I'm sorry you got busted.

You should've said it were Tariq.

-What, and wind him up even more?

-Well, that's HIS problem.

I think he's got a point, me.

-If you can't even tell your dad, how's this going to work?

-What?

-I can't come between you and your family.

-Finn, you won't.

Can you look me in the eye and tell me that your dad won't mind?

Everyone'll think Simon's a paedo now.

He might be. My dad was.

We're in it deep now, aren't we?

Well, only cos you chickened out on me.

-Why couldn't you stick to the plan? I did my bit.

-You don't know what it's like in there.

Yeah, I do. I've been through all this for real, don't forget.

Yeah...sorry.

-What?

-That Simon bloke's stuck down the police station being treated like a kiddy-fiddler,

and his stupid wife's screaming the school down like some nutter.

Er, how is that funny? What's wrong with you? He's innocent.

-And he's having a nightmare because of what you wrote in that stupid letter.

-I see...

You say we're best friends, sisters even,

but as soon as the heat's turned on, you're blaming it on ME?

-Look, all I meant...

-You don't get it, do you?

You and me, we're all we've got. No-one else cares about you.

I'd do anything for you but you're a back-stabber.

You pretend like you care but go on, stick the knife in!

Will you shut up?!

-Scout, come on.

-No. I'm not bowing down to everything you say. You're a bully!

-I wish I'd never made friends with you.

-That's it.

Walk away. Just like all the rest...

But if you try and dob me in, I'll just deny it.

What are you saying? You think we should stop, cos of my dad?

-I don't want to cause you any more grief at home.

-It's me you're with.

Not my family, not my culture.

It's not about that.

I'll tell my dad, then Tariq will just have to deal with it.

And if neither of them accept it, it'll only get worse

and we'll have nowhere to go.

I want to be with you.

-You want to be with me, don't you?

-Yeah, course.

-More than anything?

-Yeah.

What are you doing?

I only take it off in front of my family, the people I care about.

Finn, you're one of them. I mean it.

God, you're beautiful.

You know I love you, don't you?

-I love you too.

-But you've got to do what's right for you.

Which is being with you. You're my family now.

Thank you. Well, they have a patrol car out looking for them. They can't have gone far.

KNOCK ON DOOR Yes?

Scout, where have you been?

You made some serious allegations and then you just disappear. Why?

I didn't... I mean...

I shouldn't have. They weren't true.

You're sure? Because if you're scared, I understand...

I made it up! All of it.

Simon didn't do any of it.

I made them up... to get out of moving away.

-Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused?

-I'm sorry.

-"Sorry" doesn't cut it.

We'll inform the police immediately so they can release Simon

and concentrate on genuine victims of abuse.

Scout, did Emily have anything to do with this?

-Where is she now?

-I don't know.

Right, well, you can get yourself to the cooler while we decide on what your punishment's going to be. Go.

You were very hard on her.

She was pretty hard on those foster parents.

Yeah. Don't worry, I'll stay over this.

If you're sure.

Yeah.

Whoa...

Scout, has someone upset you? What's happened?

Hey, I've got this.

Well, I can't give you the completion forms

until we've negotiated a proper price.

Yeah, I understand that, but I just don't want to get gazumped.

He's donating it as a prize. PR exercise.

Good luck with everything.

And you, I'm well jealous you're getting real freedom.

Yeah, well...

Hey, it's good to see your business enterprise is up and kicking.

You know me, Mads, always on the move.

-I'll see you.

-In a bit.

I can't believe you're going so suddenly.

Well, we arrived in a puff of smoke - guess that's how we're leaving.

Keep in touch, yeah?

Course.

Madi, we've got to go.

Ronan, don't give up on the rugby - you're good at it, mate.

Jez...

Get in the car, Zack.

When are you coming back?

I don't know.

-I'm sorry it's turned out like this.

-Well, what did you expect?

Look, about the complaint...

I'm not going to go ahead with it.

But it doesn't change anything,

and the sooner we all move on from this, the better.

I just keep thinking of what it must've been like

for Simon in that police station... being accused of that.

And how Julie must have felt when she found out.

Hey, don't torture yourself.

I had a chance at being in a proper family, with good nice people,

and I blew it.

And maybe any chance of them ever fostering again.

Just think about what you can do to put this right. Because you know you can, don't you?

Listen, 250 quid a week's too dear.

No, it's out the question.

-All right, Vic, how did you get on?

-I got a place at uni.

No looking back.

Who's he on the phone to, Dragon's Den?

He's trying to sort the premises for his business.

I've only just found out about it, like.

He just hasn't sorted it yet.

Listen, 200's a good offer for that location.

I can't commit to 12 months.

Hi, Vicki MacDonald, Burleys Fruit & Veg.

Are rates and utilities included?

No? Well, there's no way anyone can guarantee a profit on that basis.

If you want to lease out the property,

we want service charges and insurance included,

and I want a three-month break clause in the contract...

Final offer. Course.

Yeah, he'll be around all afternoon.

They'll ring you back. Cowboys.

You just need to get them on common sense.

-I'm going to miss you, Vicki MacDonald.

-Whatever.

You'll have a right laugh.

Are you going to be OK?

-Yeah, I'll probably end up skint and working in a chip shop.

-Come on, Vick, you got in!

Yeah, but it's miles away and you'll be here and everyone'll be around you.

It's hardly the big wide world, is it?

And you, everything you worked for came good.

-The rest is just money.

-Oh, shut up, that's the only thing you wake up for in the morning.

-PHONE RINGS

-This is them.

Yep, Ronan Burley speaking.

Yeah, that's great, I think we can proceed on those terms.

I'll do anything I can to put this right.

Please, ring me. Just so I can apologise to you and Simon face-to-face.

I was so looking forward to you hearing me play.

Well done.

They'll just delete the message.

I would, if it were me.

You don't know that. And you had to try, so...

Look, why don't you go and play with the orchestra?

The final sound check's before the big performance,

it might take your mind off it.

Yeah, you're right.

I've let enough people down today.

Come on, then.

-Hi, Sian.

-Hi.

-I know you've got a lot on your plate today,

so, erm, I passed Vicki's results on to her.

(I don't think she quite got what she was expecting.)

Linda, Linda!

Janeece, could you start drafting an ad for a new head of PE please?

-Yeah, well, I hope she was worth it.

-Excuse me?

PHONE RINGS

-Linda?

-'Wayne Johnson is in school'

-and he's got Sian.

-What?

-He just dragged her into Grantly's classroom.

-I'll be right there.

-Wayne, whatever it is that you're thinking about doing...

-Shut up!

You're as bad as Byrne, you're all full of it.

Here he is - the hero of the hour!

-Sian, are you OK?

-Yes.

Come to save the day?

Wayne, what are you doing here?

What do you want?

Same as you wanted from me. Maybe, the truth?

-An apology?

-I told the truth.

Look at me!

I ended up in intensive care because of you.

If you'd got your way, I'd be dead by now!

-What's he talking about?

-Tell them, Mr Byrne.

Tell them how you threatened me... attacked me...

then shoved me in front of a van.

Tell them how you left me for dead,

like I were trash, littering up the road.

-I didn't attack you, or shove you in front of a van. Sian, I didn't!

-But you did walk away, didn't you?

-DIDN'T YOU?!

-Wayne, you need to calm down.

-Stay out of it!

Just tell the truth.

I panicked.

I was scared.

And yeah, I did leave you there.

Like you hadn't already done me enough damage.

Wayne.

Wayne, you need help.

Don't make out you care.

Even this lot can see what you're really like now.

Is that why you sent me the notes? To unnerve me, to expose me?

-What notes?

-Come on, I've told you what I did.

-No secrets. This ends here.

-Right, that's your job gone, innit?

I value my job, but I value my peace of mind a lot more.

Which is why I want to say, in front of witnesses,

that I'm sorry.

I did the wrong thing.

I was hard on you, I know that.

But you know why?

Because when I looked at you, I saw me at your age.

The anger, the aggression.

You're nothing like me.

I was. So in a way, I understand why you stabbed me.

-I should have finished the job.

-Is that a confession?

Come on, Wayne, you wanted the truth.

It's your turn now.

Just admit you stabbed me.

Please.

I stabbed you.

Why did you stab me, Wayne?

Michael, he's ill.

You gave up on me!

I was struggling, and you knew it.

You said you'd make everything OK if I sorted my life out, but...

I know. I'm sorry for all of it.

That's why I did it.

And since then, my life's been crap.

If I could go back and...

You don't need to.

HE CRIES

It's over.

I'm not apologising to you.

Not for anything.

HE SOBS

-Are you OK?

-I can't be here.

Linda, would you wait here with him?

-Get him an ambulance, he needs to get the hospital.

-Yeah, of course.

Sian, wait. I'm sorry,

-I should have told you. What happened in there was my fault.

-It's not that.

Well, what?

I don't know.

Everything was so certain

and now I don't know what's right or wrong anymore.

I don't even know who you are.

-You will.

-The cost is too high.

I've hurt Jez and I've hurt the kids.

It's so selfish.

I'm sorry.

I thought this was what I wanted.

And I wanted us to be together as well,

but we can't have everything.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

See?

With us, there'd always be something.

Somewhere else we needed to be.

-Was that Sian?

-Er, No.

Just a mate.

-So, why didn't you answer it?

-Because I'm with you two.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

Blimey, that must have been quite an ordeal. Are you all right now?

Yeah, I'm fine, thank you.

-The kid's unhinged.

-So he admitted stabbing Michael? Did he say why?

I don't think his sort need a reason!

Some thug walks in off the street, and threatens a teacher,

and Byrne lets him go scot-free? How's that protecting his staff?

Well, he saved me and Sian.

Only because that's his bit on the side.

God help the rest of us - those of us he's NOT intimate with any way.

Just give it a rest, Grantly, will you?

-Don't worry, it's all going in my complaint.

-I don't think that'll be necessary now.

Byrne has damaged morale

and I have a responsibility.

We all have a responsibility - and that's the prize-giving.

So can you take your classes down to the hall with the minimum of fuss.

I'll tally the votes for the most popular pupil and teacher.

Tom, you go down and kick things off.

I'm glad you're OK.

Daniel, you know, I think we should go for that drink tonight.

Well, my diary is chocka,

but everyone'll be out later, we could join them?

I'd like that.

Are you trying to get Michael sacked?

I am merely questioning his leadership,

not desperately sucking up to him at every opportunity.

-I'm onto you.

-I have to say, you're more principled than I thought.

And some might say, you struck gold getting Michael,

who appreciates your encyclopaedic knowledge and traditional values.

I mean, who knows? You might get another head

happy to indulge your questionable commitment, surreptitious gambling,

and inflated salary.

Good luck with that.

TANNOY: 'Will foot passengers

'for the 14.45 to Belfast who have already checked their luggage,

'please make their way to the ferry for boarding. Thank you.'

KNOCK AT DOOR

I just wanted to tell you

that I won't be making any complaint.

Fantastic(!)

Oh, that's right -

yes, it's me that's deserving of scorn today, isn't it?

I'm the one who doesn't practise what he preaches,

who sits in the gloom rather than mucking in with everyone else.

What did you say?

This is you all over, isn't it?

Oh, making all the noise about professionalism

and standards...

And then we find out the truth.

My personal life is none of your damn business!

I have served under seven different heads at this school,

and none of them -

NONE of them - have promised so much,

and delivered so little.

Jez! Sorry, excuse me.

-Dad! It's Sian, she came!

-Jez, Please?

-We're not doing this, all right?

-Just hear me out?

Come on, we're going to miss the ferry.

I'm not stupid.

Dad, whatever she's done,

you could at least listen to her.

OK, guys, how are you feeling? Confident?

Just exactly as we rehearsed, OK?

But the main thing - enjoy yourself, all right?

-All feeling good? All tuned up?

-She came!

All right? Yeah?

Er, Scout, where are you going?

Sorry, sir, but this is more important!

Looks like we'll have to do it without Scout, OK?

Can you not play the guitar?

No, this it's a student orchestra, all right?

You'll be fine, you'll be fine.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

OK, everyone,

welcome to prize-giving.

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

Now, some of you may have noticed that I'm not Mr Byrne.

He's unavoidably detained, so you're stuck with me, I'm afraid.

So, who's glad it's the end of term?

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

Don't be scared.

just go and talk to her.

Go on.

I don't know what to say.

I'm sorry. I wish Simon was here...

Well, he's not. And I don't think "sorry" even begins to cover it.

I wish I'd kept my stupid gob shut.

I know you hate me,

but you and Simon, you were always so kind to me.

Look, I can't pretend I'm not angry with you, Scout.

Simon's going to have to move out,

until they've finished this investigation.

What? Why?

He's not allowed within 100 feet of you.

But I'm not going to be there, am I?!

Well, that's up to you.

What? You'd have me back?

When we took you on,

Simon and I made a commitment to you.

Despite what's happened, nothing you've done today changes that.

While you're with us, you're family,

and families don't just turn their backs on each other

when someone makes a mistake.

You were right, I made a mistake.

I couldn't see what I had right in front of me.

Yes, you could. It just wasn't what you wanted.

-No, I was confused!

-No, you weren't.

You see, it was always about him. Now, for me, when we moved here

I thought it was for a new start,

you know, for a new beginning.

-But no, you wanted to be here with him.

-No, I didn't.

Look, I thought it was going to be good for us, but I... I panicked.

In no time at all we got married and I was a step-mum

and I just wasn't ready.

I ran away.

I buried myself in work and Michael got caught up in all of that.

You blamed me for all of our problems.

-I know and I'm so sorry.

-Nothing I did was good enough.

I tried to be a better husband, and dad, but it wasn't

enough because you lied to me about what the real problem was.

I know and I was wrong.

But now I know that it's you that I want.

That's why I'm here, because you, me,

Madi and Zack, we should be together.

-We're a family.

-How am I going to trust you?

Look, when we got married,

I believed every single word of those vows.

And you've just made me feel like a mug for loving you.

Jez.

I know I don't deserve it, but just give me another chance.

Please.

Jez...

Right, now the moment you've all been waiting for, and our

first prize is for the most enterprising student.

And the winner is the Lord Sugar of Rochdale, Mr Ronan Burley!

APPLAUSE

-Cheers.

-Well done.

Nice one, sir.

Right, I'd like to thank you all for being such a great set of mugs,

I mean, customers!

No, joking aside, it's because of this place

that I now own my own business, which I got the keys for today!

So, I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you very much!

Well done, Ronan.

Well, I see your headmaster is now free

so I'll hand you over to Mr Byrne.

Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry I'm late.

You all know how much I hate it when you're late,

how I won't tolerate the flimsy lame excuses...

So why should you tolerate mine?

I was late for this because I was clearing up one of my own mistakes.

One of many I've made this term.

Too often I've leapt to wrong conclusions, put my own ideas

and needs before the best interests of this school, its students...

..and its staff.

And for doing this, I want you all to know that I am truly sorry.

But today should be about giving credit where it's due,

so I want to devote the rest of this time to giving credit to the staff.

Most of what this place is, does and achieves is down to them.

They deserve not only our thanks but our utmost respect.

The rest of the credit should really go to you.

This is your school, you make it what it is.

And me? I'm honoured to be a part of it.

Thank you all for giving me the opportunity.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Well done.

No, thank you, Tom. This is mostly down to you.

I'd like you to come back as deputy,

give me a chance to put your name on the door?

It would be a pleasure. Well, we'd best get on...

Woo! Right then, on with the show.

Vicki MacDonald! Well done, Vicki.

Award for academic achievement goes to Steven Grainger.

And the award for art and design goes to Ruth Price.

..Brendan Judge!

And the award for numerical excellence goes to Lucia Albanese.

OK, next up is the prize for best performance in

extracurricular activity. And the prize goes to Phoenix Taylor.

Phoenix!

All-rounder award for drama and music goes to Denzil Kelly.

Well, it's the one that you lot have all been waiting for,

the prize for the Student of the Term,

as voted for by you. And the prize goes to...

Trudi Siddiqui.

APPLAUSE

So, our final award is for the best teacher, as voted by you,

and winner is...Miss Linda Radleigh!

Erm, thanks very much. I really wasn't expecting this,

it's lovely, thank you.

I'll hand you over now to Mr Wilding and the Waterloo Road Band.

# My, my, At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender

# Oh yeah

# And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way

# The history book on the shelf

# Is always repeating itself

# Waterloo - I was defeated, you won the war

# Waterloo - I promise to love you for ever more

# Waterloo - I couldn't escape if I wanted to

# Waterloo - knowing my fate is to be with you

# Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

# Waterloo Finally facing my Waterloo

# My my, I tried to hold you back but you were stronger

# Oh yeah

# And now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight

# How could I ever refuse?

# I feel like I win when I lose

# Oh, oh, Waterloo

# I was defeated, you won the war

# Waterloo - I promise to love you for ever more

# Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo

# Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

# Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, man, we killed it. I knew you wouldn't let us down.

Oi, reckon I'll get a police caution today cos of you.

You're not the only one! Difference is, I told the truth.

Faced up to the consequences of what we did.

-I'm never going to forgive you for this.

-Suits me.

-Does that mean you'll be free to hang out in the holidays?

-Too right!

Vicki! I've got it. Book-keeping software.

You need the cash, I need help with my accounts

so if I employ you as my book-keeper, you can fit it in with your studies.

What, and you'll pay me?

You wouldn't do it for free!

It'll be enough to cover the rent, just about.

Just because this is the start of something brilliant,

it doesn't mean... Well, it doesn't mean that anything has to end.

DOORBELL RINGS All right, Cheryl, it's in the microwave - hang on.

Jez, I thought you was in Ireland?

Erm, no, I'm not going to go. Me and Sian are going to try

and sort things out. You can't just give up on it, can you?

Well, does she know that you're here?

No, she thinks I'm at the gym, but I just needed to come round

and see you, try and put things right, say I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have treated you like I did.

Come on in.

Linda!

I thought we could do with a drink. It's been quite a day, hasn't it?

It has, so I think I'll pass.

Hey, you mustn't let this business with Sian upset you.

She wasn't right for you. It wouldn't have lasted.

You need someone stronger, someone who'll protect you.

Like I did today.

What exactly did you do today?

Well, who do you think got Grantly off your back?

Who helped you deal with that Johnson boy?

Who stood by you when you were worried sick about those

-nasty little notes?

-What notes?

You had a note, on your car, this morning?

-How do you know about that?

-You mentioned them when you confronted Wayne!

-But he didn't know what I was talking about.

-Obviously he was lying.

Why would he do that? He admitted to trying to kill me.

It was you, wasn't it?

You got access to my keys, you broke into my car, my house...

Michael, no, of course I didn't.

Look, deep down, you've always known that you and me were...

-I think you'd better go, Linda.

-Michael, it's OK. Sian's gone.

There's nothing to stop us...

Get out!

Take your gossiping, your back-stabbing,

-and your pathetic attempts to gain favour with you.

-Michael!

-If I were you, I'd start looking for another job.

-No, you can't!

How can you treat me like this,

after all the things I've done for you?

I've given you everything. Everything!

You'll regret this.

You think you're so in control, manipulating everyone around you,

making them think you're something you're not.

Well, I know you.

Never forget that.

It's over, Michael. We could have been so good together.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

E-mail [email protected]