Episode 18 Waterloo Road

-Keep your eye on the ball! Yes!

-Well done!

She's some player!

-One of yours!

-It's not feminine, is it?

What? You want me to be like her? All lippy and boobs?

It's one thing having a kick about with your big brother,

but all those lads in the changing room?

I was thinking about you actually, and us...getting married.

-What?!

-Why not? Spend the rest of our lives together!

Those drawings were great! You've got real talent.

That's the first time anyone's said anything good about me

-at school before.

-Well, keep on track. I like the new you.

See you tomorrow, Miss.

I overheard Connor talking to some of his friends about you

and a pregnancy scare. I thought we were careful, Christine.

You can relax, it was a false alarm, just like us, apparently,

but it's good to know you were so terrified at the prospect.

-I should go.

-Christine!

# Can't stand the heat in the kitchen

# From what I've been wishing

# I'm fearing the truth will now out

# If I can't believe it

# Then what now I've seen it...

'Kacey!'

# No reason to shout...

Just a minute!

Kacey, come on! Get a move on!

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows...

Kacey!

We're going to be late!

What are you doing in there?!

SHE GROANS

I give up! I'll see you at school!

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows

# Why won't you admit

# You keep feeling the same?

# I can't keep calling the shots

# I've given all that I've got

# See, we're more than just friends

# Do you want it to end...

Hey, who is that?

Oh, you mean "our Kacey?"

# The fe-fe-fe-fe-feeling grows... #

Careful you don't fall off that thing!

You can't get injured before the big cup final!

Since when do you care about school football?

Hey, you're me kid sister.

If you care about the team, well, then I care about it.

Oi, Kace! Think fast!

This is going to be an easy match!

St Dominic's won't know what hit them!

-They got to the final without dropping a single goal.

-Who cares?

In a few hours' time we'll be bringing back that trophy!

Oh, well, if it happens, it won't be thanks to you.

Everyone knows you losers couldn't win a game without her.

Whatever.

Barry, why'd you have to do that?!

Truth hurts, Kace. He knows you'll either make or break that game.

We're a team!

I was thinking of running a book, taking a few bets.

You know everyone's going to put money on Waterloo Road to win.

Yeah, cos we will win.

And if we don't, guess who'll be quids in?

It's like I said! They can't win without you.

Maybe, you could have a bad day at the office.

Accidentally...on purpose.

I knew you wouldn't let me down.

-We've got a problem.

-Well, it is a day ending in Y.

I was just having a nice cup of rosie, bickie,

little relax before the start of the day...

Yeah, I do hope this is meandering towards a point at sometime.

..when I realised that I hadn't filled in the paperwork

that the league cup organiser sent over for the footie team.

It's not an issue, we'll e-mail them before the match.

Thing is, formal guidelines on sports participation.

Check out clause 2.5.

Girls ain't allowed to play on mixed teams after 14.

Kacey's already 15, ain't she?

Yes, thank you, Sonya.

The association reckon they sent the paperwork through to Mr Clarkson

at the start of the season.

Morning. Hey.

Eh, listen, I know you've got a lot on your plate,

but we're a linesman short later on.

Couldn't put the word out, could you?

I think we might have a little more luck if it came from you.

Formal guidelines? This is serious now, Tom.

Well, eh, you knew about this from the start.

It's not just about building Kacey's confidence, it's gone too far now.

It doesn't change anything now. We're in the cup final.

Waterloo Road are in the cup final. Kacey Barry is not.

-Are you serious?

-She's off the team. End of story.

End of story?

Kacey's been through a group stage, two knockout rounds

and months of training for this.

I'm more than aware how hard Kacey has worked.

Are you? She's done everything we've asked of her.

Kept her head down. Now you're going to snatch it away from her.

I can speak to her if you prefer that?

No. The least I owe her is to tell her myself.

It's my team. At least I thought it was.

Hey, little man? Fancy a flutter on the game?

I don't know.

Come on. You do want Waterloo Road to win, don't you?

Barry, can I have a quick word?

I just wanted to let you know

that we'll be seeing a lot less of each other from now on.

-Yeah?

-I met with Mr Byrne yesterday and we both agreed,

you've made enough progress to be taken off special measures.

-Seriously?

-Well, don't look so surprised. You deserve it.

But report to the PRU as normal this morning, OK?

Oh, Barry. Keep your nose clean.

Think she'll be so buddy-buddy

when she finds out you've been taking money off of kids?

And how are you coming up with cash for Dad's lawyers?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

So that's the stairway, and upstairs we have Maths.

Yeah, very funny. I've been in the PRU, not Mars.

I'm just helping you get your bearings back.

It's good to have you back with the rest of us.

-Here, come here.

-What're you doing?

Right, I was going to wait until after school to give you this but...

Open it.

It's second-hand, but I spent all last night cleaning it.

It's beautiful, but I think people might notice

if I'm swanning around wearing that.

Who cares if they notice?

They're going to find out soon enough anyway.

I just like keeping it between us. Why do we have to shout about it?

Cos we're in love.

Because the whole point of getting married is to shout about it.

Hey, Gen. I can count on you to come up to the game later?

-Who's Gen?

-It's short for Imogen.

He thinks it's funny cos I hate it.

St Dominic's have a mega following, so let's make sure we do too, yeah?

-Go Waterloo Road.

-You hate football.

It's not about football, it's about supporting the school.

Nice one, Gen.

Glad to see you made friends when I was gone.

I got stuck with him as a chemistry partner the other day.

He's actually a pretty good laugh.

Hmm. See you later, Gen.

Connor, wait. Connor!

Excuse me. Excuse me. Calm down.

There's enough room for everyone.

Yes! Not that I'm surprised.

It'd be a crime to rob the world of this talent.

-What the hell is that doing up?

-I got picked.

It must be a typo. I'm kidding.

-Is something wrong?

-I haven't had a chance to tell Kacey yet.

Where's my name? Sir?

There's no easy way of saying this.

You won't be playing in the match this afternoon.

-What? But Sir?

-If it was up to me...

It is up to you. You're our manager. You pick the team.

-I don't make the rules.

-You mean it's because I'm a girl?

Mr Byrne has decided that he can't go against regulations.

That's not fair.

Munch, what's up?

I won us the semifinals and the quarters.

And I've scored in every single group match.

And you're right. It's not fair.

I'm sorry.

Calm down, yeah?

I have to play. I have to.

You knew it had to end sometime.

You can't play with the boys your whole life, can you?

And what would you know about it?

# Expertise on air guitar

# So your fingers never bleed... #

Kacey?

-Who are you?

-Zoe. From the BMX forum.

You go here?

As of today, yeah.

Do you want to get out of here?

Yeah.

Must have missed the shout, "Bring out your dead."

Stick to your class of reprobates

and leave the humour to those better suited.

Tom, I just heard about Kacey. I'm so sorry.

It's her you should feel sorry for. She's given everything to that team.

And what if she had broken her leg or something,

cos she's not as strong as the lads?

Why let a kid follow their passion

when there's health and safety to consider?

Morning, everyone. If I could have your attention for just a sec?

I know that lunch time is your own time so there's no pressure.

Here we go.

But I'd like to see as many of you as possible out there

to support the football team.

Why not fit us for nosebags and scrap lunch altogether?

We're also looking for an extra linesman,

so if any of you would like to volunteer?

Grantly?

Thank you. That's a lovely gesture.

THEY LAUGH

OK, grab a Bunsen burner and get into pairs.

Here you are, mate, this one's for you.

Eh, if you'd rather work with someone else...

No, it's not you. It's Imogen. I think she's gone off me.

-Oh, come on.

-No, I'm serious.

I bought her something I'd put a lot of thought into

and she just knocks it back.

And then she's being all flirty with Jack.

-All the girls are flirty with Jack.

-Not Imogen.

Well, if she's having doubts,

and I'm not saying she is, maybe you need to fight for her.

Fight? How? She already knows how much she means to me.

Just show her you're better than lover boy over there.

I hope you're moving with some sort of scientific purpose, Jack.

Of course, Mrs Diamond.

-Eh, Robbie Hays had to pull out the match.

-Great.

Now we've got no star striker and no goalie for the game.

Of course we've got a star striker, what are you talking about?

I'll do it.

HE LAUGHS

What? Just cos I haven't played before doesn't mean I can't.

Jack, back to your seat, please.

You sure about this?

Yeah, whatever it takes.

So all that extreme sport stuff they talk about in the forum,

you really into it?

Yeah, aren't you?

I like BMXing and skateboarding when I get the chance, but...football.

It sounds small, but when I'm on that pitch nobody can stop me.

It's like...

No, go on, please.

It's like flying. Like I'm free. You know what I mean?

You're so different to how I imagined you.

Yeah?

I mean, you're not like any other lad I've ever met.

Erm, did I say I was a boy?

-I don't think I did, but, I mean, maybe...

-Oh, OK.

-If I did, then...

-No, you didn't.

I guess I just assumed and then I saw you with the football.

So you're a girl?

I've got to go.

No, don't. It doesn't matter, not really.

I can't believe you really thought I was a boy.

So what do people do for fun around here?

Take a seat, turn to act two, please.

Tom, a quick word?

Quietly.

I thought you should know Kacey Barry hasn't turned up

for either of her classes this morning.

Right. I had a feeling something like this might happen.

Look, I don't think Michael realises how much this match means

to these kids. Kacey especially.

You knew she couldn't play football with the boys for ever.

It might have been an idea to prepare her a bit.

-What I should have done is told him where to stick his rules.

-Tom.

I'm serious. He reckons it's his job to follow the letter of the law

but it's mine to do what's right by these kids.

Tom, don't do anything you'll regret.

Why can't I hit anything?

Here.

BELL RINGS

Ha, yes!

I thought you were supposed to be the sporty type?

For the record,

if we were go-karting or rafting or cycling right now, I'd be winning.

Now you really are kidding.

You think a lot of yourself, don't you?

When there's reason to.

Then you won't mind if I pick what we do next?

Seeing as you're so good at everything.

Come on, you can win me a teddy bear.

Well, it's not ideal,

but Sonya dug this out of the bowels of the PE cupboard.

-What's this?

-Grantly's volunteered to run the line at the game later.

I'll look like a stick of liquorish in that.

Well, we all have to do our bit, Grantly.

Maybe we should find you a nice pair of cycling shorts to go with it?

Lucky you're not hung-over, eh?

Hung-over?

Word of advice, Grantly. Don't play out on a school night.

Or if you do, learn to hide it better.

I didn't see you with anything stronger

than a cup of tea last night.

You can't keep track of my every move, try as you might.

Sian filled you in about Kacey?

Yeah, I'll deal with Miss Barry when she reappears.

You do realise that it's your decision that's led to this?

A decision that you've forced me to make.

Well, I've got a free period next.

I was going to drive into town, see if I could find her.

-Good idea.

-I just wanted to get your permission first.

In case leaving school during teaching hours

is against regulations.

Look, just find her.

Guess whose boyfriend has made the footie team?

He means him? What happened, they need a mascot or something?

-Goalie, actually.

-Oh, right.

What about the study group? We've got a meeting at lunch time.

I thought this is what you wanted?

For you to turn into a meathead. Why would you think that?

What is up with you today?

Me? You're the one who's had a personality transplant.

Are you getting cold feet, is that it?

Look, talk to me.

I...

Right. Got it.

Trouble in paradise?

More like trouble with me. Why can't I just say what I mean?

Cos you're a human being.

Helpful.

Look, if you can't tell him how you feel,

eh...why don't you find a way to show him?

You're a genius, do you know that?

Oh, aye, Mensa here I come.

Did that make you happy? Me thinking you were a boy?

Is that weird?

No. I mean, it's different, but everyone's different.

Look at me.

I'm a girl who likes extreme sports, can't stand cooking,

hates watching TV.

People have thought I'm a freak my whole life.

Really?

People will get it, you know? A lot of them might even be cool.

Yeah, right.

I'm serious. Everyone's got their thing.

This is just your thing.

Just?

OK, so it's not JUST anything.

But I like you for who you are and that's it.

And if I think that, why wouldn't other people?

The thought of everyone knowing, it's, I don't know, scary.

Scary how?

When people think I'm a boy, it doesn't feel like pretending.

The bit where I'm correcting people, going into the girls' loos,

that's the bit when I'm not being real.

Oi! Enjoying our little outing, are we?

I think we better go and see Mr Byrne, don't you?

Come on.

Zoe, I know it's your first day but I'm sure that you're aware

-attendance is a prerequisite of being a pupil here.

-Yes, Sir.

And if you're hoping to get off to a good start

then I'm afraid you've failed. Who's her form tutor?

Mr Chalk. I'll have a word. Make sure he knows to keep an eye.

Right. Off you go.

As for you, Kacey...

Please, sir? Just let me play, I'll do anything.

This is about your education, this is not football.

I'm afraid I've no choice but to put you back in the PRU.

-What?

-Would you take her back down there, Mr Clarkson?

Inform Miss Boston, please.

Come on.

This is ridiculous.

Are you sure about this?

The PRU wasn't designed

to be held over the pupils' heads as a punishment.

Kacey was only brought back into the mainstream on a probationary basis.

It seems entirely appropriate to send her back to the PRU.

Even though she's been improving steadily in the mainstream?

There's no evidence of that based on today.

Barry's also been improving, by the way.

That's something we might jeopardise

by putting him and Kacey back together again.

Well, I just hope this doesn't knock them both back to square one.

This is so stupid.

I've been playing as a lad for months and no-one's cared.

I belong on that team, you know I do.

Byrne's the only one making this into a big deal.

Well, unfortunately, he's the man in charge.

Now, come on, let's get this over with.

-Miss?

-Yeah?

Is it all right if I take a copy of Romeo And Juliet

-back to the school house for Jade?

-Yes, good idea, Jodie.

In fact, come back to me at the end of the day

and I'll get together a pack together of everything she needs.

Swot!

All right, carry on with your quiet study time.

I thought we got rid of her?

Looks like she's back in the special unit, then.

I was hoping not to see you in here again.

You think I want to be here?

Oi, mouth.

Look, with a bit of hard work, it's only temporary.

And why should I bother doing that?

All right, enough, Kacey.

Now, you need to catch up so you'll need to stay with me

in the PRU at lunch time.

You mean I don't even get to watch the football?

That's a bit over the top, isn't it?

None of you care, do you? About what I want.

About how I feel. I just wanted one day.

One day to try and...

SHE YELLS

-Kacey!

-For goodness' sake!

-It's fine. I'm all right.

-Let me see.

I better take her down to the nurse, just in case.

Yeah.

Well, looks like Michael made the right decision.

I didn't know we were hiring.

Connor's been picked for the footie team.

I just thought it'd be nice to show some support.

Well, as the team's new number one fan,

I hope you won't be baying for my blood over Kacey Barry as well?

Hardly. Everyone wants to win this match, Michael,

but the rules are the rules.

Well, that's the oranges, juice, water.

That should keep the little tykes energised in the second half.

I'm sure you've got everything under control, Maggie.

Not checking up on us, then?

No.

I'm glad I caught up with you.

We didn't really get a chance to talk, not properly.

Coffee?

Let me buy you a coffee.

I'm just starting to be the mother Connor deserves.

Let me just concentrate on that for now.

And, eh, you and him are good?

-Better than we have been in a really long time.

-Great.

You deserve it.

BELL RINGS

Hey. What's the verdict on the hand?

A bit bruised, that's all.

Still match-fit, if that's what you're asking.

Look, Kacey...

"If there's anything I can do I would." Whatever!

Do you think this match means any less to me than it does to you?

It must, or you wouldn't let Byrne do this.

Seeing you lot rise to the challenge,

that's the best thing I've done since I've got here.

We can't give up now. We just can't.

If you play and we get caught, we'll get disqualified.

I don't care, we've got to try.

There's a chance that Mr Byrne won't allow a football team next term

and definitely not one with me and you involved.

Bringing that cup home, though.

I've never been good at anything in my whole life.

All everyone's seen me as is just another useless Barry,

but I can do this.

I can win this match for us, I swear.

You know you want it too.

You better get that hand wrapped tight.

We don't want it getting knocked during the game.

-Yes!

-We need the rest of the team to agree to it first.

They'll agree. They want to win, don't they?

Come on, Waterloo Road.

Right, lads. Gather in.

We have to make everyone believe that Kacey's a lad,

like the rest of you.

Isn't that what we've been doing all tournament?

Yeah, but now Mr Byrne isn't on side.

So if we get caught out, we could face disqualification.

-We have to be ready for that.

-So you're going to let her play?

If everyone's in agreement, yeah.

Well, she's scored in every game so far. We need her.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

Right, then.

Now, we've all seen St Dominic's play, we know how strong they are.

Tight in defence. Dangerous in attack.

But we are better than them.

Better on the pitch and better up here.

Cos we're a team. Thinking and operating as one unit.

Looking out for each other. Supporting each other.

That's the only way to show them what we're made of

and bring that trophy where it belongs. And where's that?

ALL: Waterloo Road.

-Can't hear you!

-ALL: Waterloo Road!

-Where?

-ALL: Waterloo Road!

Let's get out there. Let's do it.

If Mr Byrne sees you, let me handle it, all right?

Go get changed.

CROWD CHEERS

Come on, lads. Get warm. Focus.

Come on, Kace, you can do this.

Michael not here, then? I hope you know what you're doing.

Yeah, my job. Jack?

Her and Scout probably stopped off for some munchies or something.

Go Kacey.

I'm not interested in any stupid final, let alone take tips from you.

-Keep your mouth shut, yeah?

-Oh, I get it. This thing's totally bent.

Is there something going on here?

Just a friendly discussion. You know what it's like.

He's scamming everyone left, right and centre,

taking bets on the football game,

but only if they put money on Waterloo Road to win.

-Is this true?

-No way. Compulsive liar, that one.

I know what you're like.

You wouldn't bet unless you thought you could win.

Is Kacey in on this? Is she going to throw the game?

Rhiannon, go inside.

Hand it over.

It wasn't a request.

-Turn out your pockets.

-You what?

-Now.

Come one, Miss. You know you don't want to do this.

I will be going through this list

and returning the money to its rightful owners.

-You can't do that.

-Watch me.

You can report to me at registration tomorrow.

-You're back on special measures.

-Why bother taking me off?

Because I believe in you, Barry.

I just wished you believed in yourself.

And if what Rhiannon says is true

and you have involved your sister in this,

I suggest you think about how much she means to you

and about how much this game means to her.

CROWD CHEER

-Afternoon.

-Afternoon.

Captains? Captains?

Go on.

Shake hands.

Heads or tails?

Heads.

Heads it is.

We'll have this side. You can have kick off.

We've got centre, lads. Let's do this.

Come on, boys. CHEERING

Christine?

Shouldn't you be at the game?

I'm just on my way there now, but I wanted to talk to you first.

I think I owe you an apology for earlier.

Michael...

Look, just hear me out. I was very forward.

I pushed.

But I want you to know that I'm willing to move at your pace,

whatever that is.

Do you think he'll like it?

Once we've finished, all the boys will want one.

Are those two an item or what?

I don't think so. Looks like they want to be though.

Maybe someone else is having trouble saying how they really feel.

Come on, Waterloo Road. Get stuck in.

CHEERING

You look more nervous than they do.

I remember being in the cup final when I was at school.

I got so nervous I couldn't stop throwing up.

-Did you win?

-Let's hope it's second time lucky, eh?

How are you?

You've got to be joking me!

Come on. Talk to each other.

Can you please tell me what you think you're doing?

Helping these kids achieve something. What are you doing?

The game's already kicked off.

There's not much we can do about it now.

Unless you want to punish the whole team.

To Jack. To Jack.

Go on, Kacey.

CHEERING

Oh, Imogen. It's so masculine. Really intense, just like me.

-SHE GIGGLES

-Leave it out.

I'll wear it for ever.

Don't take this the wrong way

but maybe you're just better off buying Connor something?

No, it has to be more personal than that.

An IOU's personal.

This is important, Scout. I really messed things up.

Well done, lads. Make sure you get something to eat and drink.

You were great out there. Seriously.

Kace? What I said earlier about the betting and that...

Just ignore me, yeah? You play your heart out.

Well, I'd love to hear you justify

going against my specific instructions?

I don't need to justify it. I broke the rules.

Went against your authority.

Kacey's finally engaged with the school. Invested in it.

Football's done that, not the iron fist.

-You won't get an apology out of me.

-Right, I need to see you later on.

OK, look, I'm just going to come out with it, because someone has to.

I mean...is he really worth it after everything he did?

-We've put all that behind us now.

-Are you sure?

We have.

I'm just saying, cos if someone had hurt me like that

I'd want to see what other lads had to offer.

Hurting me was the worst thing that ever happened to him.

I swear, you don't know what it did to him.

He really loves me, Scout. And I really love him.

CHEERING

-Not long now.

-Yeah.

Close him down. Close him down!

CHEERING AND GROANING

Come on. Heads up, Waterloo Road.

Come on, Kacey.

Shouldn't you step in before we have to call an ambulance?

Why don't you take a breather? You look like you can do with it.

Grantly Budgen is a lot of things, but he is not a quitter.

Since when?

Come on, lads.

That's it, Waterloo Road. Come on.

Go Kacey.

CHEERING

WHISTLE BLOWS

CHEERING

You did it.

-What do you think you're doing, you perv?

-What?

Get your filthy hands of my sister.

MURMURING

-She's a girl?

-She doesn't look like a girl.

Sir? What should we do?

You go back to school. I'll handle this, all right?

That's bang out of order.

Kacey? What was all that about?

I wasn't supposed to... they found out.

Not that. You and Zoe?

I don't know what that was.

You know you can talk to me?

I mean, if you and her are... you can say.

I've got to go.

Connor? Connor, wait?

I need to talk to you.

I haven't got cold feet, I promise.

The last thing I want to do is call anything off.

Then why knock the ring back?

Why flirt with Jack and not come up to see me play?

I wasn't flirting with Jack.

I missed you when you were in the PRU, that's all.

I didn't knock the ring back.

I love the ring, but...

But what?

I just got so freaked out at the thought of everyone knowing.

Why? Everyone's going to be pleased for us.

My mum won't be.

I haven't told her we're seeing each other again,

let alone planning to...you know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier.

I got this totally wrong, didn't I?

I think we have to work on this communication thing.

I made you this.

I had to get Scout to help me cos I was so useless, but...

It's great.

I thought I could maybe wear the ring on my necklace,

just till I get Mum on side.

Seriously?

From now on, I promise to be honest with what's bothering me.

Well, I know we said we would treat you like one of the lads, but...

THEY LAUGH

-Sorry, I...

-No, no. I mean, stay here all you want.

There's not much to see here anyway, is there?

I'll just...

# Are your secrets mine to hide inside?

# Cos it might be my

# The frozen lake where we walk

# Is gonna change

# In the thaw, I know

# It's just a lake of

# And I wanna be someone

# Who makes you feel beautiful

# I wanna be someone

# Who does

# I wanna be someone... #

You think you're such a big man, don't you?

Aw, just do one, lezza.

Kacey needs your support, not your mindless prejudice.

Look, I can see how you'd get the wrong end of the stick.

A girl playing football.

Short hair and all that, but Kacey's normal.

-She's not a freak like you.

-You really don't understand her, do you?

Don't talk to me about my family.

It's not about who she wants to sleep with.

It's about who she is inside.

What you on about - who she is? No-one knows Kacey better than me.

Really? And do you know that inside she's not a girl at all?

Oi!

What did you say?

You heard me.

Haven't you made enough of a nuisance of yourself today?

I think you should report to Mr Clarkson, don't you?

Go on.

As for you two miscreants, five minutes to cool down that temper

before you head back to class.

You. Kacey get changed. Now!

I still don't understand why I'm the one having to defend myself here.

Because you're the one who's been causing trouble

all morning, that's why.

I know what it looked like between me and Kacey,

but she'd never have done that if it wasn't for him.

-Done what?

-Pushed me away.

To be honest, it's more your attitude that I'm bothered about.

Day one, skipping school, disruptive behaviour.

-Someone had to put him in his place.

-Put Barry in his place?

I can tell you haven't been here that long.

It's all very good that you want to stand up for yourself,

but why don't you try keeping your nose clean for, say, a few hours.

-Can I go see Kacey, please?

-This is a school. Not a social club.

Please? I want to tell her that it's OK. I understand.

You're losing me a bit here, Zoe.

No, you get it. You're one of the only ones that does.

What?

You've been letting her play as a boy for ages.

Pity other people weren't so enlightened.

She needs people like us.

People who accept her for who she really is.

All right. Now that you're all here, let me just say this.

Attendance at this school is not optional.

You do not duck out whenever you fancy it.

I've heard of somewhere like that. What is it?

Oh, yeah, prison.

Kacey has proved today that she hasn't understood this basic rule.

So I can only presume that the rest of you haven't either.

-Oh, here we go.

-What are we getting dragged into it for?

She's the one that bunked off.

We're a unit.

And if one person steps out of line then they let the whole unit down.

So not fair.

I get it. It's supposed to teach us about loyalty.

Yeah, loyalty and responsibility, amongst other things.

Right, on your feet.

On your feet. In a line. File out.

If I come back with sweat patches, I'm going to kill you.

Now.

Her tears fell with the dews at even

Her tears fell ere the dews were dried

She could not look on the sweet heaven

Either at morn or eventide.

Thank you, Imogen.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Now, all continue reading, please. In peace.

Sorry.

They were like that in study group earlier.

So I've been thinking, and I've come up with a plan.

Whoa, wait a minute.

I thought maybe we could book them a table at a restaurant.

-Find some way to get them both there...

-No, not a good idea.

Come on, they obviously like each other.

Look, I know you're trying to help but Mum's just not ready.

She's not ready to be happy?

I don't want her getting hurt again, especially not by him,

the way he acted last week.

Look, I'm sure she'll be happy to know you're looking out for her,

but she's a grown woman, Connor.

You can't look after her for ever.

Besides, he's not bad looking. For an older guy.

Yeah?

Come on, Rhiannon. The slower you go, the longer it will flipping take.

Don't blame me, it's not my fault.

Less of the chat, please. Head outside.

Start doing laps of the playground. Kacey, hang on.

You want to talk to me about anything?

Like what, Miss?

Look, I know I'm not as touchy-feely as some of the others here,

but I'm hard on you for a reason.

I want to push you so that you'll do better.

I do care, you know?

You can talk to me about anything. Any time.

Can I just join the others?

No, actually.

Go and clear out the stationery cupboard and then go upstairs

and put a textbook on every desk.

Here's the key code. Go on.

Yes, Miss.

BELL RINGS

My footie star.

It's a shame you couldn't see me play.

It was actually not that bad.

I was there in spirit. Backing you all the way.

I know there's been a lot going on lately.

Well, that's certainly one way of putting it.

But me and you, we're OK. I mean, I'm here for you whatever.

All I want is for you to be happy.

Connor, you're a good boy.

Are you happy then, Mum?

As long as me and you are back on track, that's all that matters.

Yeah, but that can't be your whole life.

For now, it can. It's going to take me a while to make things up to you

and until I do, you are my priority.

So you're going to put everything on hold for me?

Connor, where is this coming from? You don't have to worry about me.

-See you at home then?

-Yes.

-Well?

-So what's this plan of yours?

Sir?

Imogen, what can I do for you?

Sir, I was wondering if we could have a chat after school.

It's kind of sensitive.

-OK, no problem.

-Your office, end of period six?

Sure.

Stage one complete.

DOOR SLAMS AND LOCKS

Is it true, Kace?

Did you tell that Zoe you were a boy?

-I didn't tell her...

-She made you. Is that it?

Maybe it makes her feel better for fancying girls

-if she can make out you're a boy.

-It wasn't like that.

Then what? What was it like?

You want the truth?

What've you done?

I learned how to do it on a website.

A website? What?

I didn't even know I was looking for it

and then I was going on it all the time and...

Don't say anything else.

It's about how to make yourself pass as a boy.

-So this is like some experiment, yeah? Some prank?

-No!

Well, what is it then?!

It's who I am. I can't help it.

Are you a lezza? Is that it?

It's got nothing to do with that. It's about me.

My body. It's not right and it's not mine.

-Today was supposed to be some sort of test.

-What?

To see if I could really do it. Be who I am, properly.

This is my fault. Always letting you tag along with me.

Treating you like one of the boys. No wonder you got confused.

But we're going to fix this, Kace. We're going to make it better.

You want to be normal, don't you?

I just want to be me.

Right.

What're you doing?

You're a girl and I'm going to prove it.

Somebody help!

Look at me!

SCREAMING

Somebody! Help me! Help!

-Barry, get off her. Open this door!

-Look at me.

BATTERING ON WINDOW

Barry! Barry, stop it.

Barry, turn round and open this door.

I can't open the door, he's locked it. Barry, stop it.

-Come here!

-Tom?

-Stand back.

I'm not a girl. I'm a boy!

I mean, I... It's not how it...

-You, in the cooler! Now!

-Get off me! Just get off!

-Let's get her out of here.

-Come on.

Years of abuse to this old body and then what to do you do, eh?

You volunteer to be a linesman. What possessed you?

Might have been a bit... Bit gung ho.

I do think I might be coming down with something.

Could be flu.

Man flu, you mean. There's little Jade, eh?

Coming back to school tomorrow, barely a week after giving birth,

and here's you - moaning about having the sniffles.

Good job I've got you to keep me on my toes, isn't it?

Isn't it? Come on, let's get you home.

If you're lucky and you play your cards right,

I'll make you a hot toddy.

An offer no sane man could refuse.

-Where is Kacey now?

-With Sian in pastoral care.

Tom, do you have any idea how damaging it could be for a girl

who's confused about her gender to feel pressured into

behaving like a boy for the sake of a football match?

Yes, I do. Look, if I had any idea that Kacey was feeling that way

then obviously I would never have done it. None of us would.

You were the one who allowed the situation to escalate

by putting your own agenda before a pupil's needs.

I honestly thought that I was doing what was best for Kacey.

Well, you weren't.

Kacey has a potentially very difficult journey ahead of her

and this is the last thing that she needs.

And I'm going to do whatever I can to make it up to her.

Support her in any way that I can with this.

I'm sorry, but I don't think that's going to be possible.

I'm suspending you pending an enquiry into your behaviour.

What? Come on.

Tom, I'm sorry, but I think it's best that you don't finish the day.

For the record, it was never just about the winning.

We will work with an educational psychologist

and support you however we can.

We're going to make sure you get the help you need with this.

Help me? I don't even know what THIS is.

You heard Barry, he thinks I'm a freak.

It might take some people a bit of time.

They're my family, and Mum will be ten times worse.

I can't... There's no way.

Maybe I can be normal. If I tried really hard at it.

I don't have to be like this.

Sorry to interrupt.

I was just reassuring Kacey that we're here, whatever she needs.

-Whenever she needs it.

-I don't think I can do this.

No-one thought you could play football either

but you proved them wrong.

Do you know what I think?

I think you can do anything you put your mind to.

I owe you an apology.

If I had known you were feeling like this, there is no way

I would have asked you to play as a boy.

You didn't make me. I wanted to.

Well, I pushed you. It wasn't fair.

From now on, no-one's going to make you do anything

that you're not ready for.

What if I end up alone?

That will not happen. OK?

I was going to act as Kacey's pastoral care mentor,

but if you'd rather?

-No, you go ahead.

-Where are you going?

If you need anything, Mrs Diamond knows how to get in touch with me.

-Tom?

-I'm sure it's only temporary.

Sir?

You did the right thing.

Thanks for letting me play.

You're very welcome.

# We used to be closer than this

# We used to be closer than this

# We used to get closer than this

# Is it something you... #

Sitting in silence isn't going to help anyone.

Barry, it's natural to feel thrown by this.

Bottling up your feelings. Lashing out.

How's Kacey?

Confused and frightened, but she's tough. How about him?

Silent.

Maybe you'll have more luck.

BELL RINGS

I heard about her, she's a freak.

MURMURING AND LAUGHING

LAUGHING

Leave her alone.

Kace? Kacey?

-Sir?

-Now's not the time, boys. We need your help, Sir.

It's about Kacey.

I've just told Kacey we'll support her however we can.

Same goes for you, Barry.

Obviously this isn't going to be easy

but I know how much she means to you.

HE LAUGHS SOFTLY

She?

Excuse me?

How much she means to me.

My sister, yeah?

Not some freak.

Using that kind of language isn't going to help anybody.

You think I'm just going to watch her turn into some joke

and say nothing?

Act like everything's all right?

To be honest, I don't really think you're going to have much choice.

She's always going to be your family.

She's nothing to me. She does this. Blackens our name.

Has everyone talking about us. Saying things.

-She might as well be dead.

-Calm down.

Don't tell me what to do. You don't know me.

I know that you're desperate to prove you're a man

but this kind of behaviour, it just proves the opposite.

You think I'm not a man?

I'm a boy, am I?

Am I a boy to you?

I've kept you long enough. You can go.

Thank you, Miss.

Can I borrow you for a minute?

-Actually, Sir, I just want...

-It won't take long, I promise.

What's all this?

Well, we didn't want you to rush off without giving you this.

The match ball?

The man of the match.

You OK with that?

-Man of the match?

-You deserve it.

It's like Mr Clarkson said, we're a team, we look out for each other.

Says the fella who'd never even played

a game of footie before today.

And nearly saved every ball that St Dominic's got on target.

It's a hidden talent.

Thanks.

Thanks? You don't think you're getting off that easy, do you?

Three cheers for Kacey. Hip, hip...

ALL: Hooray.

-Hip, hip.

-ALl: Hooray.

-Hip, hip.

-ALL: Hooray.

THEY APPLAUD

I was just on my way out when they nabbed me.

It's a very heartening sight.

You've certainly galvanised them into a team.

That was always the plan.

Look, the football association have called me.

-We are being stripped of the win.

-I'll let them know.

No, leave it until tomorrow.

I think they deserve to feel like winners for one night, don't you?

And then this time next week,

you can begin thinking about next season.

Well, I'm not sure I'll be here next week, will I?

Tom, rules are rules and they're there for a reason,

but I think these kids would be a lot worse off without someone

who was willing to break them now and then.

Is that your way of saying, "I'll see you in the morning"?

Don't be late.

You look like you've had a long day.

Well, aren't they all?

This one seems to have sorted itself out.

Even if we won't have our name on that trophy.

It would have been nice, but...

It's not all about the winning, is it?

Anyway, thanks for stopping in, but I have a pupil meeting me

here any minute now.

Then why did you ask to see me?

I didn't.

Well, I think you did. You left this on my desk.

That's not my handwriting.

Which pupil are you expecting?

Imogen.

Imogen. Connor must have written this with his left hand.

The little...

So we've been had, is that what you're saying?

CREAKING

Oh, the plot thickens.

A dinner reservation for two.

It's quite a nice Italian, as it happens.

So you think we should play along, do you?

Well, they do seem to have gone to an awful lot of bother.

It would be rude just to throw it back in their faces.

Yeah, and it has been a very long day.

I don't suppose there's any notes in there to pay for dinner?

No.

Remind me to give my son a stern talking-to when I get home.

Sorry if I made everything worse. Kissing you like that.

You didn't. It just took me by surprise, that's all.

I just...

-I like you and I was proud of you and I thought...

-It was nice.

But I don't think... I don't think I'm ready for that kind of thing.

Kissing you mean?

With anyone, for probably a while.

I just think I need to get used to be being me first.

I don't think I could have handled any of today if it wasn't for you.

So...what now?

No idea.

Kace? I'll walk you home.

Mind my nails.

See you around?

Guaranteed.

Do you think they've ordered yet?

What do you think they're going to have to eat?

Lasagne and chips followed by a candlelight kiss?

I've not really thought about it. Not sure I want to.

Oh, sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Guess it would be pretty awkward having Mr Byrne as your new dad.

As long as he treats my mum better than my real dad did.

You've not really mentioned him since he visited.

Do you want to talk?

One, day but from now on I only want this family to have

good things to look forward to.

Well, I can think of one really great thing coming up.

You think we'll ever be able to tell our parents?

Have them be happy for us.

Yeah, definitely.

Promise?

Me and you are going to live happily ever after

and nothing's going to get in the way of that.

Cross my heart.

As long as we love each other nothing can go wrong, can it?

# Never knew love like this

# The wind, moon, the earth, the sky

# Sky so high

# Never knew pain like this

# Everything die, then die

# Never knew love like this

# The sun, the sea, you and I

# Never knew pain, never knew shame

# Now I know why

# Bury me, marry me to the sky

# Bury me, marry me to the sky... #

What the hell?

Oh, my God.

It's him. It's Barry.

-Out!

-Get off me!

Out, get out. Don't even think about messing me about.

Is this you? Heels? A skirt? Time to get the old Kacey back.

Hiya, love.

Mum, what are you doing here?

I want to be a proper mum.

Give me another chance.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd