Episode 4 Waterloo Road

-Police are coming...

-Mrs Fisher.

-My nan died from cancer.

When have you seen anything defeat Sambuca Kelly?

I am the head teacher here and Rob is the caretaker.

That's as far as it goes.

You're not here to teach. I've got staff for that.

Your medication isn't going to get rid of the tumour, I'm afraid.

So, this is it, then?

-It's been a while since I had a girl help me with my homework.

-Girl indeed.

-OK. All set. How're you feeling?

-Nervous.

-Look, if you're not ready for this...

-I'm ready.

-And if you get confused, you know what to do.

-Go back to basics.

-If they question who you are?

-Evie Prior.

Born the 4th April 1994 just outside Crewe. It's just me, Mum and Dad.

Dad's an engineer and just got a contract here,

and we moved up at the weekend. Do you want me to continue?

No, you're fine. If you get hassled?

Take a deep breath, keep calm and deflect attention.

-Turn the spotlight away from me.

-You think you can do that?

Why wouldn't I? I've been doing it for years.

Well, go on then.

Who's she trying to impress?

-Any idea what's going on?

-Beats me.

-Opening the gates is Mr Scotcher's job, isn't it?

-Usually.

-It's not like Rob to be late.

-Does that mean we get to go home, then?

-No.

Scotchy been out on the lash all night?

That's enough, thank you, Josh. Right, let me through.

BOOING

-Make your way through.

-Quieten down, please!

# Lately the days

# Feel more like spirits to chase

# My nights are full of strangers

# And even stranger ends. #

Finn? Finn!

Finn, Sam's not coming in this morning. She's not feeling great.

That's to be expected, innit? She's not getting any better.

No. Thanks for the reminder, Finn.

Let's just take one day at a time, yeah?

She's coming in at lunchtime. Are you around this morning break? I'm going to make her favourite lunch.

-Er... I'm really busy.

-Finn, is there a problem?

Only you've not been round the house in a while.

No, no. Everything's... Everything's fine.

Oof!

Karen.

What's going on?

Oh, the, er, the sewers must've blocked up overnight. What...

-The gates! Sorry.

-That's OK.

-Shall I make alternative arrangements?

-No.

I'm on top of it. You, erm...

-You look lovely.

-Oh, really?

No. Anyway....

-I read your essay.

-Really? Thank you.

-Could we maybe talk about it later?

-Of course.

Let me know when it's, erm...

Hiya. Ready for your mid-term appraisal?

-But of course. You?

-Oh, absolutely, yeah.

I couldn't be more... Not really, no. What do you think she'll ask?

-Well, that'd be telling.

-Well, it's not a competition, Eleanor.

Life's a competition, Daniel.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-All right?

-New girl outside. Can you keep an eye on her for me

as I'm going to be tied up with appraisals for most of the day?

-Yeah, sure. Who is she?

-Evie Prior.

She's a last minute placement for Year 12.

Would you believe the LA only called this morning?

-That's good of them. Where's she from?

-Not far from here, apparently.

Not many details, except they did say she was behind on her schooling.

-Because?

-Your guess is as good as mine.

-All right. I'll get onto it.

Did a kid do this? I'll swing for 'em.

-No, no. It was Miss Chaudry.

-Oh, typical! I'll swing for her 'n all.

No, no, no. She didn't hit me.

No, it's just new teachers' appraisals today.

Yeah, she's so on top of hers. This happens when I get stressed.

-This is the teachers' staff room, Janeece.

-I'm administrating

emergency first aid actually, Mr Budgen.

-Daniel, could you laminate this for me?

-Course. What is it?

A grades analysis for my class. For my appraisal, to show how well they're doing.

-You've done yours, I take it?

-No. Will that matter?

-Can't you see the poor man's bleeding to death.

-Of course I can. Whenever you're ready.

Just want to say, before your appraisals today,

that I will be sitting in on each of your classes.

-Eleanor, you first. Then you, Daniel. But just pretend I'm not there. OK?

-Absolutely.

-You've just moved to the area, then? Where from?

-Crewe.

Right. And how are you finding it here?

All right. Do you need a hand with those?

Why not? Thanks. It's three to a bench.

-So, are you missing your mates then?

-A bit.

-Well, we're a friendly bunch.

-I'm sure you'll fit in fine.

-Good.

I gather that you've struggled a bit in the past?

Don't worry. We'll keep an eye on you

and we can always arrange extra tutoring if you want.

There's no need to be nervous.

If you've got any problems, you come and see me, OK?

First class is English with Miss Chaudry.

That's upstairs, left up the corridor.

Right. Well, I'd better get going then.

-I don't want to be late on my first day.

-No.

# And it won't fade away

# Windscreen broken, you're bleeding... #

Hi. Yeah, the loos are clear. And so am I.

I probably wasn't at my best earlier. Unlike yourself.

Um, you mentioned about the essay?

Of course. I, um, made a few notes on it.

-Hope you don't mind.

-No, not at all.

Is there any way we could talk about this later, say over dinner?

I mean, just as a thank you, really. If you're free?

-Why not?

-Good.

Tonight...is good.

-Better get back to work.

-Yeah, me too.

Thanks for this.

-What?

-Oh, nothing.

You're looking very lovely this morning, Mrs Fisher.

I was just wondering if there's any reason.

-You know?

-No. Nothing like that.

-Are you two going for a drink or something?

-Janeece.

-Oi, what you doing? That's where Sam sits.

-Sorry.

You're all right. She's not in.

MOBILE BEEPS

I'm Evie.

Not much of a talker, are you?

Sorry, I've just had a bad mornin'.

Me too. I don't have a clue what's going on.

-Gerunds.

-Excuse me?

I want to look at gerunds as the subject of a sentence,

then as a complement to a verb and finally as noun compounds.

Thank you, Miss Chaudry, but tell your class, not me.

Right. Yes. Absolutely.

-Today we're going to look at gerunds.

-Sounds painful that, Miss.

-You might want to see a doctor.

-Thank you, Mr Sharkey.

-Is Finn chatting the new girl up?

-He better not be.

-Is it me they're firing daggers at, or you?

-Both of us. It's cos of Sam.

-Sam?

-My girlfriend... Well, sort of.

Oh, right.

Finn. And, Evie, isn't it?

-Any more chatting amongst yourselves and you'll be out.

-I wish!

-Yup, me too!

-Right, young lady. Up here now.

You heard. Seeing as you don't want to listen,

you can come up here and show us what you know.

Maybe you could write a gerund for us on the board.

Well, I don't know what one of them is.

-Well, let's start with a noun then. Do you know what a noun is?

-Oh, maybe she can't write, Miss.

-Maybe she's just a thicko.

-Right, that's enough.

Evie, come back to your seat, please. Thank you, Miss Chaudry.

-Aiden, you haven't told anyone, have you?

-About what?

Why would I do that? It'd spoil our chances of doing it again.

-Morning, Mrs Burley.

-Morning, Mr Burley.

-Let's have a look, then?

-Lovely, isn't it?

-Yeah, it's lovely that.

-What do you think?

-Suits you.

Your jewellery seems to be causing a bit of a distraction, Vicki.

-I'll take it off.

-It's an engagement ring.

-I don't care if it's the Crown Jewels.

-Look, it's fine, Ro.

Right. Today we're looking at Jonson's The Alchemist.

You'll like this one, Ronan. It's about turning cheap metal into gold.

SNIGGERING

MOBILE RINGS

See? No hands, nothing. She's toast.

-You don't waste much time, do you?

-What?

-You and your new best mate, Evie. What you up to?

-Nothing.

-Good.

Better keep it that way cos I don't think Sam would like it.

-Well, she's not here, is she?

-Don't mess about, Finn. You heard.

-Evie! How was your class?

-Not great.

-Well...

-I thought you said this place was friendly?

-It is. It'll just take a bit of time, that's all.

-Right.

-What happened?

-I had to reprimand her for talking out of turn.

-Really?

And she couldn't answer a simple question. She's definitely not the sharpest tool.

She is a bit further behind than we originally thought,

so we need to keep a close eye on her.

Rather than make a spectacle of her.

Right, well, absolutely.

-Anything else I need to know?

-I'm sure you get the gist.

CHILDREN LAUGH

Eleanor!

-Are you OK?

-No, I'm not. The floor's wet!

Those signs should be up. What's wrong with Mr Scotcher today?

All right, you lot, shift it now. Go on!

Now listen, Mrs Fisher might come into class any minute.

-It's all part of an appraisal I'm having.

-What's going on?

-You hanging around with her?

-Don't you start as well.

-She was lost, all right?

-So I want your best behaviour, please.

Good. Pythagoras...

Who does she think she is? She needs to be told, her.

-Form a queue behind me.

-All right!

Making a move on other people's boyfriends? I don't think so.

-Stop it, Amy.

-Sam's our best friend and his girlfriend.

-"Sort of" girlfriend.

-You what?

Hey, pack it in! No need to start having a go, all right?

Why are you defending her? Sam's worth ten of her.

-Ok! All right. Whatever you say.

-Keep away, do you hear me?

Amy, stop it!

Yeah, I just said, "I heard you." Jog on.

-What did you say?

-Sit down, you! You too, Finn, back to your seat.

Stay away. Do you hear?

-Calm down, please.

-And you can sod off!

Your mate's not even here. He can talk to whoever he wants. So can I.

What's the big deal with this Sam, anyway?

-I said, that's enough.

-Look, Sam's sick. She's got cancer. They're just looking out for her.

-Why you telling her that?

-Look, everyone's talking about Sam.

Sam this, Sam that. It's a joke.

-Just pipe down, will you?

-Excuse me. Excuse me!

I just had to get out of there. That Amy and the other one, they were on top of me, that's all.

Right, well, I just think everyone's a bit sensitive at the minute.

-You know, with Sambuca's illness.

-Cancer, isn't it?

-Yeah, that's right. She has a brain tumour.

-Well, we all have stuff to deal with.

It's not really the same, though, is it? Starting at a new school and being terminally ill.

Look, don't worry. You won't be the new girl forever.

-Well, what about being the thick girl that everyone laughs at?

-You'll catch up.

But getting into fights isn't going to help you.

How did you find it, your last school?

-Well, that's got nothing to do with today.

-I'm just asking.

-I was home-schooled, all right?

-Oh, right.

-What, by your mum or by your dad?

-Mum.

-And how did you find it?

-Fine. Can I go now?

-Yeah.

Yeah, of course.

-You were rude and aggressive to the new girl, and you were disobedient to me.

-And your point is?

-Well, it's customary to apologise.

-I'm not five, you know.

Right, well, I'll give you a count of three.

One...

two...

three.

Right, well, perhaps I'll mention it to Mrs Fisher when she gets here.

-Come on. Sit down, Evie.

-He's bang out of order blaming you.

-Yeah, tell me about it.

-Did he say it was his appraisal?

-Yeah, why?

Right, so, who can tell me what Pythagoras' theorem is? Lauren?

Is that the one about the amount of water that spills out the bath

when you get in?

Aha! No, no, no. That's Archimedes' principle, but nice try. Thank you.

-Oh, how does the Archi...wotsit one go?

-Well, that's when, erm,

any object is immersed in fluid. It's buoyed up by a force

that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Right, so, er, say I'm in a bath and it's full.

The water that spills out is the equivalent to my weight.

-So, does it matter if you've got clothes on?

-Er, no.

Although any oxygen trapped beneath my clothing could affect the buoyancy.

-Oh, so it'd be better if I was naked.

-Sit down, please, Lauren.

-OK.

LAUGHTER

BELL RINGS

Let me out of here now! Lauren!

Hello?

Just ignore them.

-Evie? How did your last class go?

-Yeah. Better.

Good. I'm glad to hear it.

Ms Fisher? I've filled out an accident form clearly stating that

I injured myself as a direct result of Mr Scotcher's inability

to comply with health and safety regulations.

-Eleanor, you slipped.

-And what if it had been a child?

-Ah, talk of the devil.

-Problem?

-You could say that.

-I slipped and nearly broke my neck because of you.

-Excuse me?

You call yourself a site manager.

Well, that would suggest a modicum of managing the site.

Eleanor, you can't talk to people like that.

You want to be careful, defending me in public. People'll talk.

-Ooh, can't have that(!)

-Besides, you needn't worry.

I'll get her next time.

-She's not eating properly. Do you think the medication could be affecting her appetite?

-Bound to be.

-Look, you sure this is a good idea?

-Yeah, it'll be fine.

-You're very quiet, Finn.

-I'm just concentrating.

-I know it's not easy.

-Ah, yeah, it's doing my eyes in.

-I meant Sam.

But she really loves seeing you, Finn. It's what she needs right now.

I'm here for her.

Are you OK? Maybe his talents are better served elsewhere, eh?

-I think we're done here anyway. Just make sure everyone comes.

-Yeah, will do.

Thanks, Finn.

-Mr Scotcher?!

-Come on, to me.

-Easy, Dad. Could've took me head off.

-Yeah(!)

-MOBILE RINGS

-Yeah, if England make the call, tell 'em I'm ready.

Listen, will you stop ringing?

I'm at work.

No, it's not a good time.

Finn! I didn't mean to cause trouble earlier.

Maybe it's just better if you talk to someone else.

Yeah, you might be right there.

I'm sorry about your girlfriend's illness.

-How long have you been going out?

-Not long.

I've already got millions of people telling me what to do,

what not to do, what to say, what not to say.

-I know what you're going through.

-You had cancer?

No. But my mum. That was cancer.

-I'm sorry.

-Yeah.

I nursed her every day for the last six months.

She had a brain tumour.

-That's the same as Sam.

-How weird is that? Just like Mum.

Jess, just so you know, I'm out tonight.

You? Who with?

Um, just a friend. And don't sound so surprised!

Well, have you got a date or something?

-I'm just helping a friend out, if you must know.

-All right.

Well, if it's just a friend, then you can tell me who it is.

Anyway, I shouldn't be back too late.

You're here all the time, you're practically married to your job. Is it someone here?

You are never sleeping with Mr Chalk!

I'd better be off.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Hello?

Mr Chalk?

Oh, no.

-I'm in here.

-Daniel?

-Is that you?

-I've been locked in.

Hang on.

What's going on?

Good question, Mrs Fisher.

I want some answers myself.

-Well, maybe you can explain later.

-Yeah, of course.

Evie, can I have a quick word?

-I've spoken to your mum about your home tuition.

-My mum?

-Yeah.

-Why?

Well, I just wanted to get a better handle on things.

-But she seemed a bit vague about it.

-Well, you shouldn't have to talk to her about it

-cos I could've told you.

-Told me what?

I'm thick, OK? What else do you need to know?

All right, well, um, why don't we get your mum in so we can discuss it properly.

No! Just leave it! We'll work something out without her.

-OK, all right. Well, perhaps...

-Sir.

Will you lay off her? She's having a hard time.

Yes, all right, thank you, Finn(!)

-BELL RINGS

-Right, don't forget I want your work in for next lesson, please.

Come on, can't be late.

KNOCK ON DOOR

-You all right?

-Not really, no.

-Kids have been running rings around me, as usual.

-Again?

It's my appraisal today and they locked me in the cupboard.

Mrs Fisher found me. I don't think I'm cut out for this.

Course you are. Yeah, just think about why you became a teacher in the first place.

I love maths. It's the only thing I've ever been any good at.

Then you're a very lucky man.

No, I'm serious. You've got a gift.

You know I was never any good at maths. You know what you should do?

Big that up in front of Mrs Fisher, and the rest will just follow.

-Do you think?

-Daniel, I'm sure of it.

Cheers, Rob.

She's coming. She's coming.

ALL: Surprise! APPLAUSE

-Hope you're hungry.

-Finn helped.

-Chopped nearly all the onions.

-What do you think?

I think I should pull a sickie more often.

-Did you have a nice lie-in, lazy cow!

-Best go get a tray then, hadn't I?

Right, Sambuca Kelly. What'll it be?

-Er, spag bol, crisps and custard, please.

-Coming right up.

Spaghetti Bolognese, damn. I guess that rules out Italian tonight.

-Is your dad seeing anyone at the moment?

-No. Why?

It's just that my mum's going out with someone tonight and they're over there looking pretty cosy together.

My dad and your mum!

Yeah, body language is good.

-You're joking, aren't you?

-I mean, you'd think they'd hide it better.

Here you go.

-You can put your ring back on now.

-Oh. Yeah.

Evie?

This is Sam. Sam, Evie. Evie, Sam.

-It's my first day today.

-Hi.

-Did you not get my messages, Finn?

-I've been...just been dead busy.

-Clearly.

-Come on, Sam. Your mum went through loads to get this done for you.

-I'm sure she did.

It's just, my treatment. it stops me from eating.

You've got to eat something. It's good for you. Make you grow big and strong.

-Finn!

-Thanks for the reminder.

Do you know what? I've had enough of this.

Er, you, sit down!

-Finn?

-I'm fed up of everyone having a go.

-Yeah. I know.

-I just want things to be as they were.

-I hate it too.

I don't want special meals. I don't want people to stare at me.

-At least people aren't telling you what to do all the time.

-Are things all right with us?

-You've been different since you found out.

-I haven't.

Yes, you have. You didn't come round last night. You didn't call me this morning.

You're ignoring my messages, you're cosying up with some new girl!

I didn't know I was supposed to phone.

I thought that you'd want to.

-I'm not expecting much.

-I helped with your lunch.

-Yeah, I know.

But that's not what I mean.

I need to know that you're going to be there for me. You are, right?

Yeah. Of course.

Well, at least hug me or something.

-I can't do this.

-Do what?

-Us.

This.

-I can't do it.

-So what are you saying?

I think we need to call it a day, Sam.

-So, you know what you were saying earlier. About going out.

-Yes.

-Well, you were joking, right?

-Why?

-Well, you know.

I just mean, you wouldn't ever think about

hooking up with Mr Scotcher, for example.

-What's wrong with Mr Scotcher?

-Oh, my God. Seriously?

-Jess, nothing's happened and it probably never will.

-But you can do so much better.

I think I'm entitled to have a life of my own.

Make my own decisions about who I want to see.

Yeah and embarrass me in the meantime.

Scotchy of all people!

Not having any?

What happened?

Me and Sam. We're over. I ended it.

-Why?

-Just sick of it all.

Sick of being told what to do, sick of just being freaked out.

-How did you cope?

-Sorry?

-When your mum died?

Was it bad?

-Oh, yeah, totally.

-Some people really lose it.

-Mum did.

-Really?

But you just kind of work through it.

We fell out too.

Barely saw her in the last few months.

But I thought you said you nursed her every day for the last six months.

She didn't have a brain tumour, did she? Is she even dead?!

-I can explain.

-You little cow.

-Oi, what's going on?

-She's a liar. Making stuff up.

-I just wanted...

She said her mum died from a brain tumour. She's a sicko.

Inside. Now.

Get in! Come on boys! One up!

What are you doing, Finn?

Celebrating the belter I've just scored.

-Lauren says you've dumped Sam.

-Yeah, man, what's it to you?

-Got anything to do with that new girl?

-What? That lying cow! No way.

-You've changed your tune all of a sudden.

-Well, she did me over.

-She told me that her mum died of a brain tumour, the sicko.

-So why dump Sam? Why now?

-Why not? It's for the best.

-For the best?

Look, I've been thinking about it for a while.

-You might not understand, but me and Sam just aren't getting on any more.

-You're a joke, Sharkey.

Has anyone give me a thought through this? No!

Look, it happens. People split up, Josh. Get over it.

You're not dying, Finn.

Come on, boys, don't forget me!

Well, aren't you the dark horse. Something you want to tell me?

-Um, no.

-Maybe about a...Mrs Fisher?

Well, I see it's one rule for you and another for me.

There is nothing going on between me and Mrs Fisher.

-If you must know, I'm doing an Open University course.

-Oh, yeah!

I bet you are.

I am! So, I can get a better job.

-And Mrs Fisher's helping me with that.

-Anything to get laid, eh!

Seriously, Dad, if this goes belly up you could be out of a job.

-It won't go belly up.

-But if it does?

If you're out of a job, we're out of a home.

And I thought we had an agreement, coming to Waterloo Road you know, keep our heads down.

Not, not go out with the Head. I mean if it's OK for you,

then, I mean, it must be OK for me and Jess.

Nice one, Dad.

What's going on?

Why would you make up a lie like that? Eh?

That's no way to make friends, is it?

And what would I know about making friends? I ain't got any, have I?

And you're not going to get any like this.

Evie, this is a fresh start for you.

It's a new beginning, why would you want to mess it up?

Yet you're lying, you're falling out with people.

It's no way to behave, is it? Now come on, what's the matter?

I can't help you if you don't tell me what it is.

-I'm not meant to say anything.

-What do you mean?

Hang on, hang on. If you've got a problem then you can talk to me.

That's what I'm here for, you know that, don't you?

Evie? Come on. Eh, what is it?

My name's not Evie Prior.

I'm under police protection.

Why? What happened to you?

It's not about what happened to me.

It's about what I did to someone else.

My real name's Alycia Cross.

-Alycia Cross?

-Yeah. The one that murdered her five-year-old cousin.

Miss Chaudry, if you'd like to come through.

There's no question about it, Eleanor,

you are a strong disciplinarian with equally excellent training plans.

But your people and communication skills

they do leave a lot to be desired.

And then we come to the small matter of class control.

You have potential, but you need to forge better relationships with your pupils.

-Potential?

-You need to listen more.

There's a lot of improvement needed, but a lot we can build on.

You know that you can't tell anyone about this, right?

I can't pretend this hasn't happened.

-But you that said that you wanted to help.

-Yeah but...

-That was before I knew what was going on.

-Nothing's going on.

I've been rehabbed! I've seen more shrinks than anyone on this planet

and they all say I'm OK. Or else I wouldn't be here, would I?

It's not as simple as that. What would... What would the mother of...

Abi. She was called Abi.

-Are you shocked?

-Hang on, hang on.

-I spoke to your mum.

-It's not my real mum. They're my foster parents.

-There was no home tuition.

-I need to speak to Mrs Fisher.

We are not set up to deal with things like this.

If you tell anyone, well, then it's over for me.

What's to say that this would work anyway?

Today hasn't exactly gone smoothly, has it?

Because I've never been in a school before.

I was hated in the young offenders.

You think it'll be different here?

Yeah. I feel better already. I'm glad someone knows.

What if you tell other people?

I won't. Today was always going to be weird.

I promise, if you give me another chance,

I'll prove to you that I deserve to be here.

Please.

Janeece...

Oh, I just want to see how Little Jack Horner over here got on.

How did it go?

Oh, yes, some... some positives. A clear way forward.

But still a lot to think about.

How did you get on?

She didn't know what she was talking about.

Well, I thought she talked a lot of sense, to be honest.

I got a lot from it.

The woman's a joke.

-I've really tried. But that's it.

-Hey, come on, you two.

It'll all be forgotten by the time we hit the pub tonight.

Not with Mrs Fisher, it won't.

She's got a prior engagement. Not that it's any of your business.

Janeece?

All right, she's got a date. And not just any old date.

-Mr Scotcher!

-They're seeing each other?

Who would have thought it? Mrs Fisher and Mr Scotcher.

You look disappointed, Eleanor.

Go on then, what pathetic sob story did she spin you?

I want you to forget about it, Finn.

She wasn't trying to wind you up. It was the opposite if anything.

No-one in their right mind comes up with a lie like that.

Yeah, well she's... she's been through a lot herself.

I think she just wanted to feel

like she had something in common with you.

-What, and that's OK?

-No. No, but it is understandable.

Eh, I don't want any trouble.

It's not me causing it.

I'm not one for reacting to malicious rumours,

but I heard something that you may want to crush straight away.

What's that?

That you're dating the caretaker.

And I know that's news that you wouldn't want circulating.

I'll look into it. Thank you.

Oh, and have you signed my accident form?

No, not yet.

Now might be a good time.

Not happy about you making a move on Finn.

-He's dumped, Sam y'know.

-Well, that wasn't my fault.

Wasn't it? Everything was fine until you tipped up.

Yeah, what would your mum say

if she knew you were lying about her? Saying she's dead?

-Why don't we just give her a ring?

-No! Don't?

Then why would you lie?

I dunno.

Yeah, well you stay away from us? And from Finn, OK?

-Or we can make your life hell.

-Everyone hates you.

-I'd back off, if I were you.

-Whoo!

I'm serious. Don't mess with me.

You think you're so tough, don't ya? But you're not.

Wow! Wow! I'm scared.

Just leave us alone. You get me?

"Daylight's dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn falcon."

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Yes?

-Alliteration.

-Good.

I need the toilet.

Anything else?

Finn, have you seen Evie Prior?

No, sir.

Rob? Rob? I guess you've heard?

Everyone seems to think we're going on a date or something.

-Oh, yeah, Aiden...

-The staff... Sorry.

Well, I'm not bothered. Are you?

Well, I don't relish the prospect of being the subject of gossip,

but, erm, and from a school point of view...

Well, it's fine. It's study.

-Absolutely.

-So. I'll be at La Mancha, 7.30.

I'm looking forward to it.

Yeah, so am I. I'll see you there.

Mrs Fisher. You got a minute?

Is everything all right?

It's about Evie Prior.

What do you want? Tell me more lies about your sick mum?

No. I want to explain, so just listen.

Shame. I don't want to hear it, you freak!

Look, I didn't mean to annoy you.

You're the only one that's been nice to me.

Yeah, so why make a fool out of me?

It's complicated.

My girlfriend's got a brain tumour. She's dying.

THAT'S complicated!

I can't believe you didn't tell me this.

You are my Deputy Head!

You have a responsibility to me and the whole school.

She wanted it kept a secret.

I didn't think she was a threat.

-Look, I'm sorry, Finn.

-What are you doing?

Can't we just bunk off, and get away? Start again?

Why would I want to spend another second with you, you twisted little freak?

Don't call me that! Don't call me a liar!

Call it me again...

You're pathetic.

You don't even know me...

She killed a child? This could be a disaster for us.

Hang on...

What's she doing?

Will you just stop and listen!

Evie! Evie, get off him.

Evie, get off him, I said. Get off!

What are you doing?

I wasn't going to do anything.

Are you OK, Finn?

Yeah, course I am.

I was just trying to talk to him...

Evie, I need you to come to my office.

You told her?

Why did you do that?

-Told her what?

-You should go inside now, please, Finn.

You said that I could trust you.

-I thought you were on my side!

-You disappeared.

It looked like you and Finn were fighting.

-What did you think I was going to do? Kill him?

-Finn, inside, now.

Is that what you thought? Alycia Cross, once a murderer always a murderer?

What?

You heard.

Is this real?

Evie...

He said I was pathetic.

Well, I'm not.

-All right, you've said enough now.

-No!

Eight years ago...

..I drowned my own cousin.

Finn...

It's over.

You go after her. I'll deal with this.

Evie! Wait!

You betrayed me.

I'm sorry, I panicked. I didn't know what was going on.

So you just thought the worst? I didn't have a chance, did I?

Hang on. It's wasn't me that just told Finn. Why did you go and do that?

Everyone was going to find out at some point, weren't they?

It's too much. The lie, the whole thing.

I can't deal with it.

Maybe it is too much.

It's too late now, innit?

So, what happens now?

You won't see me again.

This was it.

Maybe it's for the best.

Evie?

I think you deserved a second chance.

Surprise!

-Thanks for doing all this.

-No problem. It's the least we could do.

We're just doing what we do best, innit? Having a laugh.

Is Finn coming?

We didn't ask him.

OK.

Yes, by all means.

Well, we can discuss that further at the meeting.

Thank you. Bye.

I must have heard off every parent in the school.

PHONE RINGS That'll be another one now.

Mrs Fisher, I think there's something you should know. I've done something terrible.

What is it, Janeece?

I accidentally might have said to people in the staff room

about you and Mr Scotcher.

Oh, I know, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Right now, Janeece, that's the last thing on my mind. Really.

-Hi.

-I've called a meeting for staff and parents.

-Right.

-Do you want me there?

-Well, of course I do. This is your mess. You can help clear it up.

-PHONE RINGS

-Hello. Karen Fisher.

-Tell us what that murdering scum was doing here?

-I didn't know.

WHY didn't you know?

Evie... Well, Alycia...had been placed here by the local authority.

-We had no idea who she really was.

-Here at Waterloo Road, we have inclusive principles

and we believe, very strongly, that every child,

no matter what their circumstances, is entitled to an education.

-Of course it's easy in hindsight...

-Given what happened, and what might have happened,

wouldn't a degree of foresight have been better?

MURMURING

DOORBELL

I'm on it.

-What?

-Is Sam in?

I was wondering if I could have a word.

You've got five minutes.

I thought you handled that really well.

Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.

-I hardly think congratulations are in order.

-I'm sorry, Karen, I know that I messed up.

What possessed you?

What made you think that you could take this on?

I did what I thought was right for Evie. I just wish that I'd handled it better.

-The moment she told you, it was over.

-I know that now.

-Is there anything you want me to do?

-Yes. Two things.

One, you do everything you can to help turn this round.

And two, you leave me alone.

I owe you an apology.

You don't owe me anything.

I didn't want us to fight or fall out.

You're good at pretending, then, Finn.

I don't...want to finish with you.

It's just so hard.

I finished with you because I'm scared, OK?

How bad's that?

Well, it is scary.

I was a coward.

Will you take me back, Sam?

I never let you go.

Ah, thank goodness for that.

I'm so sorry. I've had a terrible day.

Yeah, it didn't look too pretty when I left.

Well, maybe this'll help.

Could I?

Thanks.

-Oh, er, we don't have to talk about the essay if you don't want.

-I do want to. It was very good.

You sound surprised.

You're much smarter than you make out.

I know. Cheers.

Look, how long is it since you've been on a date, cos, um...

I'm kinda rusty.

-I thought we said it wasn't going to be a date.

-Well, yes, we did, but we're here.

-And I'm wearing a shirt.

-I know. It looks good on you.

-I mean...

-Ahh! You can't take it back.

And you don't look so bad yourself.

You know, as usual.

Finn...

I've been thinking about my treatment...

and it's horrid.

I don't see the point any more.

So I'm going to stop taking it.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

I know that I'm dying now.

It's just...

I want to be normal.

I want to be myself.

Well, I'm here for you.

No matter what.

It's going to be hard, though, for us all.

My mum especially.

But it'll be OK.

I'm going to be up there somewhere.

It's you lot that I'm worried about.

I can't bear the thought of my mum on her own, wanting me,

and I'm just not there.

Josh.

Kyle.

Amy and Lauren.

You.

What are you all going to be like when you're by yourselves?

Smaller.

I love you, Sambuca Kelly.

I love you too, Finn Sharkey.

DOORBELL CHIMES

MOBILE RINGTONE

DOORBELL CHIMES

We didn't even talk about your essay.

Well, that was the plan.

So we can do this again.

I've really enjoyed myself.

So have I.

Right, well, I'm going that way.

And me that way, so...

Thanks again, lovely night.

Karen...

You all right?

Got a visitor.

-Hmm?

-Mum's back.

Rob, good to see you. It's been a while.

We could talk about it over some dinner.

That sounds too good to miss.

It's your mother, love. She's going to stop me seeing you and Rhona.

My so-called best mate slept with my boyfriend.

At least I'm not a big fat moron.

No, just a poisoned little dwarf!

I screwed up, Janeece, and Karen's about that far away from sacking me.

-Who's your son?

-Aiden Scotcher. You must be Mrs Fisher.

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