Episode 6 Waterloo Road

My husband's very attractive,

so don't beat yourself up you've fallen for him, but I'm back now

and I'd ask you to give me and my family some space to sort things out.

Are you saying you want to close the school down?

No, we just need to find out what's going wrong and why, from someone with inside knowledge.

Are you asking me to spy?

That's got nothing to do with you, we're over!

-What's all the shouting about?

-You're going to find out anyway.

-Vicki!

-That slapper slept with my boyfriend.

-Hey!

-Sam! Sam! ROSE!

-What's your problem?

What have you got to worry about?

I've got cancer! I've spoken to my doctor and I know now, I know there's nothing more they can do for me...

I know I'm dying.

Come on, you two, brush your teeth or you'll be late for school.

I have.

Denzil, you haven't been anywhere near that bathroom and you know it.

The boys are just brushing their teeth.

You look tired. Are you sure you're OK sleeping on that lumpy sofa? Honestly, I don't mind swapping.

Don't be daft. I'm fine.

C'mon, lads, get your shoes on, we're going.

I'll just nip up, say bye to Sam.

C'mon, c'mon! Get your shoes.

Good boy. Put your foot in there. Go on.

Put your foot in there for me.

Right, that's us off, then, love.

You want me to bring Lauren back after school?

You all right?

-You had your pills?

-Yeah.

Tom, I need to ask you something, without you telling my mum.

-OK...

-Only cos she'd say no.

Well, if your mum'd say no...

But only because she doesn't want me to see 'im.

My dad.

She says she doesn't even know where he's gone.

-Well,

-I

-don't know where he is.

And even if I did, look...

he's dangerous.

-You saw that the last time he showed up.

-I know he's no good...

but he's still my dad. You could help me.

D'you think it's fair...

-to bring him back into everyone's lives?

-No.

I wouldn't do that.

You could take me to him.

Tom, you'll be late!

Maybe when you're a bit stronger.

Eh, I didn't say no.

-But you got to talk to your mum about it.

-That's a no, then.

-Everything all right?

-Yeah.

Was just saying that maybe Tom could take me for a drive sometime.

You're joking, right?

Darlin', you can have your friends round here anytime, but...

you're no way well enough to go out and about right now.

"Right now"? So, when, Mum?

-Well, it could set you back.

-So?

Look, look, let's talk about it after school, yeah?

In the meantime, you get some rest.

Baby, I've got to go to the shop to collect your new medicines.

I'll be a couple of hours. Will you be OK?

Wait up.

I made you some lunch. Take Aiden's, too? He wouldn't be seen dead carrying it.

And I would?

I thought maybe if he picked it up from your office at lunch, you'd have a chance to...

You've hardly spoke to him since you caught him with that girl.

He's your son, Rob.

I kind of know that, Naomi. Yeah, I was with him when he pulled the same crap at his last school.

-Where were you?

-I'm here NOW.

For all the good it's doing.

Karen?

Yeah, when you've got a second, can we talk?

If it's about work, can you talk to Chris?

Otherwise, I've got a really busy day ahead of me.

Right, you know where I am if you need me, mate. Yeah?

Yeah.

Aiden.

Can you just explain to Jess how it happened?

She knows very well how it happened.

That's the problem.

Not exactly love's young dream...

Only cos they got busted.

Reckon they'd still be at it if Vicki hadn't spilled the beans?

-They could get it together for all I care.

-Yeah, me, too.

Well, obviously, give Rose a call first, clear it with her.

-I think Sam could do with a bit of distraction, that's all.

-Definitely.

MOBILE BEEPS

It's Sam.

Well, come on, then.

CRACKING, GIRLS SCREAM

Hey. Hey!

Come on, hand 'em over.

-Get your own.

-That's enough of your cheek.

Go on...

Very good. Nice one, Chalky.

-You all right?

-Karen.

-No change?

Nothing.

I could kill Aiden for what he did to Jess.

There is the little matter of your wife staying with you.

It's only temporary.

I want to talk about it, Karen refuses.

Refuses?

Look, what are you always telling me, hey?

Stand up for yourself.

What are you, a man or a mouse?

Listen up, folks.

-I've got a PR lady coming in today, helping to raise the profile of the school.

-A PR woman?

Yes. Linda Wicks, Public Relations.

We've got to try and change people's perception of us.

-especially in the light of recent negative events.

-"Negative events"?

Abandoned babies, harbouring a murderer, folk chaining themselves to railings?

Thank you, Grantly. So, if you see her in the corridors, please try and make her feel welcome.

Karen, I thought the LA dealt with our PR?

Well, there's nothing to say we can't pay for it out of our own budget.

She's a local outfit, she's reasonable.

Look, Chris, I want parents to know that Waterloo Road is still a school of quality.

Karen's right.

Everybody uses PR these days.

Let's be progressive!

There's no phone number on there, anyway.

I don't want to call him.

I want to see him face-to-face.

-I owe him that.

-Why, Sam? All he's ever done is hurt you.

Yeah, but he didn't know I was dying then, did he?

Things change when you haven't got the time.

Your mum'll go mental.

I know. That's why we need to go now.

Please, before she gets back.

I've got the address in my phone, and I know how to get there.

I just can't without you two.

Come on.

We should have discussed it before you just went ahead and booked her.

I had to act, Chris. I couldn't waste the time.

I'm your deputy! Surely my opinion about how to save the school's reputation counts for something?

-Two heads and all that?

-I wasn't trying to keep you out of things...

I just didn't want to hang around once I'd decided,

and I hope you'll go with it. KNOCK ON DOOR

Linda Wicks, Solutions PR.

Karen Fisher. And this is my Deputy Head, Chris Mead.

-Thanks for coming in.

-So, I've had some preliminary thoughts.

Good.

Well, it's a complicated situation here.

SHE MOUTHS About a year ago,

we merged with John Fosters, so our student base is quite diverse.

I think we need to go for a bold strategy.

Put out a glossy brochure.

We want to change the public perception.

There's nothing like visuals. Don't worry, Karen.

Whoever says you can't polish a turd hasn't met me yet.

-Turd?!

-Come on, you don't need to impress me - the school's a mess.

I've seen your stats. We need to be aggressive.

I'd like to mock something up today. If you like what you see,

we'll run with it, distribute it strategically, then follow up with some sort of open-day event.

Great.

Yes. As long as we target the intake.

That's what I'm here for!

Richard.

It's Eleanor Chaudry, from Waterloo Road.

I was just wondering if you were around at some point today...

just for a little chat?

In confidence?

-Mate.

-I ain't your mate.

-So, logarithms.

-Hit me.

I mean it. if it'll make you feel better, just hit me.

-Look just shut it, yeah?

-Ey! Shh, please.

The logarithm of a number to a given base is the power or exponent

-to which the base must be raised in order to produce that number.

-What!

-If you'd done it, I'd hit you.

I'm gutted, Ronan.

-You are?!

-I'll hit myself, then.

See?

What, you think this is funny?

-You're a dickhead, you know that?

-I know, and I told you, I deserve a...

-ALL: Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

-You asked for it!

He's not worth it, Ronan.

CRACK

Yeah. That's right.

I can make myself heard, too.

-Give it some, Iron Man.

-Yeah, I am.

I am Iron Man!

Now you, you get to the nurse. the rest of you, back to your seats!

It's a while since we had a refurb.

-Always something more urgent to spend money on.

-Yeah, like a public relations officer?

So, I don't know how peeling paint will marry into your glossy brochure.

Oh, we'll just photoshop it.

What...

-What's happened?

-I hit him.

-I asked him to.

-Oh, we'll just leave this out the brochure, eh?

-Chris, could you...?

-Yes.

Linda, do you want to come with me?

Right, let's get you off to the nurse.

-You don't have to go through with this, you know, Sam.

-Yes, I do.

-I think we should go back.

-No.

Come on, Sam, you're setting yourself up for a fall. I mean, why hasn't he been in touch?

Because he was too embarrassed about what happened before.

I told him I hated him.

But...everyone deserves a second chance, right?

Don't know. You're already upset. What if he upsets you even more?

-Look, I can't die without a dad, Finn.

-Right.

We could make a feature out of your sportsperson of the year. Who've you got?

-Actually we don't have a sportsperson of the year.

-Chris?

Have you had Finn Sharkey or Lauren Andrews in your first couple of classes?

No. They were both no-shows.

-What about Sambuca Kelly? Obviously good at netball. She a looker?

-Um...

I mean, it's not essential, but if she's got a face, it surely helps.

Yeah, actually, Sam's not well. She's got cancer, so she won't be up for doing a photo shoot.

Ah, poor kid.

Still, though, that's a double-page spread.

"Cancer girl smiles bravely in the face of illness as she leads Waterloo Road into netball victory."

-Here, has she lost her hair yet?

-No. She hasn't.

Um, this is Tom Clarkson, he's our Head of English.

Linda Wicks, public relations.

We could stick a scarf on her, imply she's going that way.

-Is this a joke? You'd use a sick child to sell a brochure?!

-Sell an image, Tom.

It's Mr Clarkson to you.

It's what I've been asked to do in a professional capacity.

I know it's cynical, but the tale of one girl's

-courage in the face of adversity always gets the sympathy vote.

-Linda.

-And it implies that Waterloo Road's got a heart.

-You stupid woman!

-Sam is not an image, or a marketing tool. She's a sick little girl, and she's dying.

-All right, Tom!

If she's that far gone, fair dos. Just trying to use your assets for the greater good.

-I've never hit a woman, but there's always a first.

-Mr Clarkson!

-Chris, can you take Linda to the cafe?

-Yeah.

Can you come to my office now?

You threatened violence to a woman in our school.

I know. Look... I just, I lost it.

I understand...

and I know she's not the most subtle of people, but, Tom, that is unacceptable.

-It was just hearing the way she was talking about Sam like that. I mean...

-Tom, go home.

Take some time for yourself...

You've been under the most enormous strain with the Kellys.

I don't need time for myself. Every second counts right now.

MOBILE RINGS

It's Rose.

Rose...

Eh? Just calm down. Well, where is she?!

Just leave it with me, OK?

Look, she's in a right state. Sam's gone AWOL.

Just go. Go. I'll cover your classes.

And take as much time as you need.

Well, I'll knock first, then. Y'know, pave the way?

Is Reynold in? Reynold Kelly?

She's got her mobile switched off.

-Come on, we'll find her.

-Why would she put herself in danger, Tom?

-She can barely get to the garden on her own...

-I think, maybe...

-Look, I think she might not be on her own.

-What?

Lauren and Finn went AWOL from school this morning.

They know they can come here any time. Why would they take her out?

They would if Sam asked them to.

You know something about this.

She was banging on this morning, she wanted me to look someone up for her, take her to go and see him.

-Someone?

-She didn't want to get you worried or upset, Rose.

Tom, so help me, I'm not playing games here.

She wants to find her dad.

Say goodbye. I said no.

Maybe she's asked her pals.

-Please.

-Look, we just need to speak to him. It's about...

Whatever Reynold has done, it's not my fault.

Reynold's my dad.

Well, you'll get nowt out of me.

I don't want anything from you.

Look, she doesn't want anything.

-She just wants to speak to him.

-Take it easy, Sam.

Look, she's ill.

Like, proper ill, you need to let her in.

You can call the police, they can throw me in jail, but I'm staying here till my dad gets back.

Then you'll have a long wait, pet.

My son's in the nick.

And he's doing life.

Reynold kicked a guy's head in,

just cos he skipped the queue in a car park.

The fella died.

That's why I didn't tell Sam.

I didn't want that in her head...

..and I didn't want him robbing me of what little time she's got left.

Isn't that her choice, Rose?

Well, then it's the wrong choice!

Every time she pushes herself too hard, she goes downhill. You've seen it, Tom.

You stay here in case she comes back. I'm going after them.

Did he, er...

Did he ever talk about me?

Well, he was banging on about some kid a few years ago.

But it was more about the mum.

He wanted to get one up on her.

-Piss-head, apparently. Ring any bells?

-You do realise...

you being his mum...

-does make you my nan.

-Listen, love.

If what you're saying's true...

I mean, I'm heartfelt sorry for you. I really am.

Lass your age...

I mean, it's a shame.

But I'm 65 years old and I've washed my hands of my own son.

And his...poorly daughter is not my problem.

What is wrong with you?

-Your own flesh and blood is askin' you...

-Just leave it.

Obviously we're both disappointed, yeah?

If you want to see him,

that's your lookout.

Last I heard, he'd been transferred to Barlinnie.

That's in Scotland, babe.

Well, if you see him first,

you'll tell him about my cancer?

I won't see him first.

Finn, let's just take her for a coffee and something to eat, yeah?

My advice?

Forget about Reynold.

You're in Blackpool. You're kids.

Give her a day out whilst she can still flamin' enjoy it.

-Don't tell us how to look after her! Least we actually care how she feels.

-Eh?

Why does it matter? Any of it?

Oi.

Thanks for nothing.

Karen? There's a few things we need to get straight.

We work under the same roof and you're my boss.

Not practical to be arguing.

No-one's arguing except your son.

He's in with the nurse with a punched nose.

Surprise me?

Maybe if you WERE surprised more often, he wouldn't feel the need to shock you.

Whoa, wait a minute...

I know you've got a bone to pick with me, but don't pass remarks on my parenting skills.

As head teacher, it is my job to question any dysfunctional child's home situation.

But now his mother's back in situ, perhaps things'll improve.

All right, I will apologise for my son,

the way he is, and for not telling you

that my wife was back, but it was only temporary.

No, it's none of my business.

Listen, don't overthink this.

We had dinner once. It was never going to go anywhere, so let's just forget about it.

Karen, is what I've done really so bad?

Or are you just angry with every man in the world because of Charlie?

-You are out of order.

-YOU'RE out of order.

That's it. Ready...and smile.

Smile, girls.

Got some beauties for you here.

I'll, uh, leave you to it.

This caff could be the jewel in the crown of the brochure, methinks.

Plus, you've got professional live music.

Ronan Burley isn't professional. He asked me if he could DJ this evening.

Bung him a fiver. He's paid, ergo, he's a professional.

You can have the best club in the world, but if no-one knows about it, it'll close.

Linda, this isn't the Hacienda. We're a community cafe and we're just starting out.

-Hey, that's more like it,

-What?

-Face of the social side. Does she work here?

-No.

Does now. Sweetcheeks, how would you like to feature in the new glossy brochure advertising "The Cave"?

-The Cave?

-New name for the caff, doll.

-Works for me.

-Linda, a word.

I know you're only here to help, but I really do need you to understand my brief.

I want to enhance our image,

not tell a pack of lies.

It's not lying, it's PR!

Look, Karen.

I've seen and read enough about this school to know it's a hard sell.

But I can turn it around. It's what I do.

-I suppose...

-Then leave me to it. I'll catch up in a couple of hours.

Trust me.

Fine.

So, what, I'm under some sort of house arrest now, am I?

-You just need to calm down, Aiden.

-I'm going back after lunch.

No, you're not!

Not until you give me some respect.

I work at that school, and you're nothing but an embarrassment.

I'm the one who gets punched in the face, and all you care about is your poxy reputation.

My reputation is the only thing that is keeping us afloat, you stupid...

..selfish...

I'm 45 years old.

I was made redundant during the recession.

And now I'm working as a caretaker and I'm taking night classes

just so you can have a better life...

I'm sick of it, Aiden.

Sick.

What's going on?

I've had a really bad day.

Want to see if you can talk some sense into him? Y'know, peas in a pod.

-What's happened to your face?

-Dad's not the only one having a bad day.

Sam, the guy's just a genetic fact of your life.

I mean, a bad gene, if that. Just... Just forget about him.

That's easy for you to say.

Lauren, you've got the perfect dad.

He watches your school plays, he takes you on holiday,

he gives a toss if you do well in your GCSEs.

He'll give me some right crap if I didn't.

He looked after you when you were poorly.

Imagine if you had cancer.

Well, if you still want to try and find your dad, we can.

We know what prison he's in, we can apply for a visit.

What's the point?

I mean, I only wanted him to tell me that he loved me...

..to see it on his face.

But if he doesn't care, then, why should I?

OK, well we didn't find your dad.

But that old lady was right.

We're here now. Why don't we go see the sights?

I don't know about you two, but I've never been up that Tower.

And there's the Pleasure Beach!

Sam...

You've still got US, yeah?

You take her out for some air, while I, er, pay the bill.

Quick, John! Done one!

-Leg it.

-You what?!

-Couldn't pay, have to go!

-Ahh!

Whooo!

Reynold's mother says she's OK, she was just a bit upset.

Reckons the three of them are going to hang around here for a bit.

I'll give you a call as soon as.

Bye.

You've got my number if they turn up again.

I don't think they'll be back here.

I didn't exactly give them a warm welcome.

Look, please, understand.

I never meant to upset the girl, it's just,

I can't have him back in my life...any more.

You can't have had it easy.

I feel bad about her.

The lass.

She wants a real dad, not him.

Look...

Give her this, will you?

Tell her it was when he was a good 'un.

She might've liked him.

# Put your glass up

-# Pour a little more

-Eskiboy

-# You already give me the green light

-Roll Deep

# Stop!

# Take a look

# Left and right

# Is it clear for me to go?

# Let me know

# Is it me that you've been waitin' for?

-# Put your hands up

-Put your hands up

-# Take it to the floor

-Take it to the floor

-# You already gave me the green light

-I'm giving you the green light

# Stop. #

Right... You can come up front, and the twins.

Eh, give me your specs, love.

-Oh... I don't wear glasses.

-Just need to make you look a bit less gormless, sweets.

LAUGHTER

Oh, no, sorry, love.

Work the Clearasil and come back to me next year.

LAUGHTER

I'm only kiddin', darlin'.

We've all been there. But seriously, want to help? Pull the blinds down.

Let's get some lighting in here.

-Excuse me?

-Yep?

Linda Wicks...Solutions PR.

Rob Scotcher. Site manager.

You couldn't spare us a moment, could you?

It's amazing.

Look down. They're like ants.

Looks like you're actually in the sky.

Just birds and...clouds...

..and then I'll be up here, I suppose.

-Please don't, Sam.

-Don't you want to know, though, Lauren?

-Where you go?

-I want you here, now.

You're my best friend, and you always will be.

-No matter where we are.

-I WILL be gone.

And you'll be sad.

And you'll need a shoulder to cry on.

And so will Finn.

I'm just saying that

I would understand...

What?!

I've thought it through, and... I wouldn't mind at all.

Ew! Sam, that's gross!

-What d'you mean, 'gross'? Finn's gorgeous!

-No, he's not!

He's... he's your boyfriend.

You could have him.

Lauren, you're supposed to be pleased!

Pleased? Finn's so not my type.

And I'm not his.

I mean, yeah, we're friends, but that's all we ever will be, take my word for it.

OK. Don't be so definite.

I was only trying to be nice.

Don't. You're freaking me out.

I don't want you to go, Sam.

And I definitely don't want your boyfriend.

Da da!

-What?

-Nothing.

Just timing.

I got us a half day family pass at the Pleasure Beach.

It was just cheaper than us all paying separate. You still up for it?

-Are you kiddin'?

-Er, just the slow rides.

What? This is my last chance...

I'm going on the roller coaster, with or without you!

-I think you're lovely.

-Ah, thanks.

The feeling's mutual.

When you roll a fair dice there are six possible outcomes,

one, two, three, four, five, six.

And there are three ways of getting odd numbers - one, three and five.

So the probability of getting an odd number

equals the, er, the amount of ways of getting

the number, divided by the total number of possible outcomes.

So... what's the answer, Denzil?

Mr Kelly! I'm talking to you.

BANGER EXPLODES

That's right, sunshine. I'm talking to you.

Oi, you can't do that.

BANGER EXPLODES

C'mon. What's the probability? Eh?

BELL RINGS

Where're d'you think you're going?

-I was just...

-Oh, no, no!

Be seated. You've clearly missed the majority of today's lesson.

-Let's, let's go through it again.

-Please, Mr Chalk.

-I SAID SIT DOWN!

Oh...come on.

HE SNIFFLES

Look, mate, I... I didn't mean to shock you.

I was just trying to prove a point, that's all.

C'mon, it'll be all right.

It's not you...

It's just, everything sucks!

# Blame it all on me when

# I forget to defend Everything that we worked out

# Something in her wording I cannot help searching

# For what memory found

# Thought it stopped just as it starts

# But that is not what you are... #

Yes!

THEY CHEER

It must be, er... really hard for you.

The worst thing is me.

I'm evil.

I kind of want her to stay sick, so Tom, Mr Clarkson, won't go.

When he's here, Mum's, like, calmer.

Everything is.

Just like a normal family.

And I know when Sam dies...

..we'll lose him 'n'all. Cos he's got no reason to stay.

And I don't know what Mum's going to do when it all kicks off.

Or us.

And...

I know that's sounds selfish,

but I should just be upset about Sam.

No...no, Denzil.

What you're saying makes perfect sense.

You are so brave saying it out loud.

It means you're starting to

sort it out in your head.

And look, I'm sure Mr Clarkson'll still be there for you...

-after.

-In school, maybe.

I was going to go find him just now.

Well, the thing is, Denzil...

Mr Clarkson's gone home to help your mum.

I'm covering his class.

Right.

Listen, shall I give him a ring for you?

I'm sure he'd want to speak to you.

I don't understand why you're being so nice.

Well, I am quite nice, actually.

We all thought you were a loser.

Right.

Fair dos.

Well, not me... I mean.

Forget it.

Listen, if you...

if you want to talk about anything, just.

Thanks.

But, you won't tell anyone I been crying, will you?

There's nothing wrong with crying.

# Here I go again

# Giddy up, holding on again

# Giddy up, holding on

# Holding on

# Holding on... #

THEY SCREAM

Wey!

Told you, but would you listen? No.

Well, I knew those nausea tablets would come in useful.

-C'mon. We should go.

-No.

-I want to go swimming.

-She wants to go swimming!

OK, obviously this is just an example of the real thing...

just to show you what's possible, if you will.

Oh, my god!

Sorry, am I missing something? Um, those trees aren't actually there.

Neither is the third floor.

People will notice that when they come.

And come they will.

And once they're here, they might as well stay a while... get me?

So we're going to lure them with a lie?

So, let's focus on Waterloo Road's athletic strengths.

And the camaraderie it breeds.

We don't have those facilities.

-Oh, you will do if you sell 'em the dream.

-Is Amy Porter wearing glasses?

Geek-chic, non?

Where's Josh in that photograph?

I know he was very keen to volunteer.

A bit spotty, though. Hormones don't sell.

It's a secondary school, for Heaven's sake, hormones live here!

The face of a management team...

reliable, experienced...

Now, don't be offended... but to balance out the hip side we need a bit of gravitas.

This is my defining image of the school...

Handsome, dynamic...

trustworthy...

Don't you love it?

I've had enough. This isn't going to work.

You just have to have a bit of vision, for Pete's sake.

No, I think we're talking about two different schools.

-Mine exists, and I'm very proud of it.

-Bully for you.

But I wouldn't want to send my kid here. Don't you want it to look good?

We want it to look honest!

Why make up a fantasy when there's plenty of real achievements that we can boast about?

-Like what?

-Like kids turning up here day after day even though

their parents may be absent, or holding down three jobs themselves.

That's a good angle...

you should have said that earlier.

I tried to tell you, but you didn't want to hear it.

So I don't think your services are needed any more. Thank you very much.

Keep them. To remind you what you should be working for.

Oh...excuse me. Janeece said you'd be here.

I was just passing by, so I thought I'd drop in... but I see you're busy.

Don't worry, I was just leaving.

Richard Whitman, Director of Education.

Linda Wicks... 'Solutions PR'.

Maybe you can change Mrs Fisher's mind.

Why does it have to be skinny dipping?

Cos she's a perv. And I should know!

No. Because I've never done it before.

And it's supposed to feel like you're flying free and that.

I'm not going to be 'flying free' with no pants on.

You wimp!

Oh, no way, Sam. It's going to be too cold, especially if you're already sick.

Well, I can't get any sicker, can I?

It's going to be too much to ask, Sam.

What if anything happened to you, babe?

OK. Well, then if I can't do it,

you two can.

If it's not too much to ask?

Ahem!

# Oh mama, I wanna go surfing

# Oh mama, I don't care about nothing... #

It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Well, if she turns up, give me a bell.

I'm not leaving till I find her...

Bye.

THEY CHEER

That's my boy!

# He's gonna make it all better

# Oh mama, I wanna go surfing

# Oh mama, I don't care about nothing. #

I wanted to give the school a chance to shine.

The school, or yourself?

The school!

If the LA had backed me in the first place.

Well, that's why I stopped by, to offer an ear after last week's...

melee... only to find that you'd gone behind my back!

You seem to think you're the only school under scrutiny, Karen.

I have to look at the performance of a number of schools.

You can't measure a place like this by the same criteria you would a school in a more privileged area,

like St John's Academy. This is a completely different environment.

-And a troubled one.

-And a caring one.

Waterloo Road provides a lifeline for a great many people here. Adults and children.

Then maybe it should be managed with care and respect rather than a flagrant self-interest.

I have only the best interests of this school in my heart.

Really?

Doesn't your Site Manager occupy some space there as well?

-That's none of your business!

-I'm afraid it is...

when a staff relationship is getting in the way of your professionalism.

-There is no 'relationship'.

-Oh, come on, Karen. I've got eyes.

I saw the way you were behaving the last time I visited...

you're like a teenage girl around him.

Richard, you are out of order.

That's prejudiced and sexist...

Those are serious allegations, Karen. Don't make this personal.

Well, you're the one making it personal, by attacking my professionalism, my private life.

Clearly someone has to.

I'm concerned with the management of this school, Karen,

and to be fair to you, you should know I'll be advising my colleagues

at the LA of my concern.

Have a good day.

I must've flaked out.

-Good. You looked knackered.

-Cheers.

Gorgeous, but knackered.

Yeah, we'd better get you home soon, Sam.

No, let me stay a little longer.

-Well, um, I'll go and get us some drinks, then?

-Hot chocolate, please.

OK.

Hey, Sam?

You were right. Skinny dipping was great.

Lauren!

Mr Clarkson...

-we only came because Sam wanted to.

-I know.

I reckon we can give 'em five more minutes, eh?

Yeah.

I love you, Sam.

I wish I could make it all go away.

I wish I could make you better.

I hate that there's nothing I can do.

-I hate how scared you must be.

-Yeah, I am scared.

Not of dying...

missing things, like...

you and Lauren mucking about in the water.

I wish it was you in there with me, you know that, don't you?

That part's over now.

Every day's just another 'last time'.

I know you'll be sad when I've gone...

you'll get on with things.

It's hard...

it's hard to believe it's all going to go on without me.

Is that selfish or what?

You're not selfish. I think you're incredible.

I can't imagine you not being here.

I can't.

I'll never forget you, Sam.

Never in all my life.

I'm glad we came here today, Finn.

Even though we didn't find your dad?

That was just wishful thinking.

Sam?

Busted!

It's beautiful, isn't it?

Yeah.

I think it's time to go home now though.

Right, I'm going to drop you two off here.

I'll go and fetch Denzil.

I love you. See you tomorrow, yeah?

Love you too.

Love you, babe.

Love you both.

-Denzil! C'mon!

-I'll just get my stuff.

A'right?

She's looking...

-frail.

-Yeah.

She is.

Painful all round, I'd say.

Obviously.

You know, like, when you can't really tell anyone

how you really feel, so you confide in someone else...

you know, what's really troubling you.

Daniel, is there something I should know.

Put it this way.

His sister's not the only one he's scared of losing.

Noted.

Thank you, mate.

-I'll see you on Monday.

-See you Monday.

Come on, Denz.

You all right?

So where's Aiden?

Back out on the prowl is he?

Oh, well, lock up your daughters!

Actually he's upstairs trying to work out if he's blown it with his dad forever.

Please tell me you haven't fallen for his sob story.

No story. There were real tears.

-He feels like crap after what you said to him.

-I was angry.

I know you're angry,

mainly with me...and why not?

But you're a good man.

A good dad.

It's me that's made you bitter.

Aiden's done his fair share.

The minute I pick us up, he just drags us back down.

He's a teenager.

He's rebelling.

He's a chip off the old block.

We were good, once, as a family.

Let's pretend we still are...

just for now. Just for Aiden.

He needs us.

How about I stick a pizza in the oven, and you go and fetch him down?

-What am I going to do with you?

-Ground me?

What, for being human?

Oh, baby, I should've told you about your dad years ago.

Oh, I understand what he'd done, Mum.

-But if you really want to see him, I can ask for a visiting order.

-Aghhh!

-You want your medicine.

-No, Mum, it makes me sleepy.

-Yeah, but you're in pain, you...

-Mum, I'm...

-OK, baby, c'here, c'here.

Well done.

-OK.

-Where's Tom?

-He's downstairs.

Can you go and get him, please?

Yeah, of course. Let's just get you sorted first, OK?

Good girl. Good girl.

# If your mind seats so many questions

# Misery is never gonna stray

# Your trail, my thought

# What an awkward system to be playing on the brain

# It's all in my mind, love

# But I can't help thinking why... #

Tom!

I'll have mine later.

You two help yourselves.

Sorry about earlier. I just saw red, Aiden.

Don't blame you. I was an idiot.

Maybe... You have been pushed round from pillar to post

with just your old man to lean on.

-That couldn't have been easy.

-Or for you.

Feeling better?

My headache's gone.

-Good girl. I'll leave you to it.

-No.

I want you to stay.

-Both of you.

-We're not going anywhere, darlin'.

D'you know what?

I did find my dad today... My real dad.

At least I wish you were.

Me too.

The old lady asked me to give you this.

Don't even recognise him.

I don't need some stranger in prison.

Mum, did I tell you about doing a runner?

You did, baby.

Was like flying.

Everything's like flying.

You just try and go to sleep now.

Be here when I wake up, please?

You bet.

Thanks for that.

Only a frozen pizza.

No, I mean giving me time with Aiden.

And being there when I lost it.

Thank you.

About time, eh?

I was right, you know.

We did used to be good together.

Till I messed things up.

Naomi...

I want another chance, Rob.

Rose?

It's OK. She's all right...

she's all right, now.

I fell asleep.

So did she, Tom.

She just went.

The Local Authority are having a meeting today

at three to discuss our status,

whether we're failing as a school or whether I'm failing as a head.

-Do you want to tell me what you're doing here then?

-My name's Scout, I'm starting school...here.

Oi! Get off that. That's my sister's, you silly little cow!

So how did the meeting go?

It gives me no joy to serve a warning notice on this school.

I'm really sorry, Ronan... I'm pregnant.

-You proud of yourself, are you?

-Ronan, please not now..

-Enough.

-Come on, let's go.

-It wasn't enough nicking my girlfriend? You had to get her pregnant as well?

My period's late...

two weeks. It's Aiden's.

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