Episode 3 Waterloo Road

-But ever since the hospital, I've not felt anything.

-What happened to you was God's will.

I'm trying to help you.

I can't believe anything you say.

And you wonder why I drink!

What's the point? None of you can tell me why me?

How come this happened to me?

Mum! Mum, what have you done? No, Mum!

CAR ALARM WAILING

-Get back here!

-Havelock.

Coming home can be daunting.

-All those ghosts waiting for you.

-I don't believe in ghosts.

-Thanks for not reporting this.

-My boss doesn't agree.

Michael Byrne and the police don't mix so well.

Madi? What are you doing here?

"Climb That Mountain: A Guide To Overcoming Personal Adversity."

Oi!

Scumbags!

Would you mind not screaming like a banshee first thing in the...

Careful, sir!

..morning.

Tariq! Hurry up, will you?

KNOCKING ON DOOR

Are you all right in there?

Tariq, what are you doing in there?

-On second thoughts, don't answer that.

-I'm stuck.

What do you mean, you're stuck?

Get Budgen, will you?

Mr Budgen! Tariq's stuck in the bathroom.

Oh, this is not what I signed up for.

One, two, three...

CLANGING

One, two, three!

Nice one, Starsky(!)

My pleasure, Tariq. Don't mention it. The door needs a new lock.

Sorry.

-You want assistance?

-What do you think?

Well, come on.

If I can't get out the bath, how am I going to manage a kayak?

You're going to be late.

-I've plenty of time yet.

-No, you don't.

School's over 20 minutes away. I've already told you this.

-Stop hassling me!

-As if. There's no milk left, by the way. Or cereal.

I must've finished it last night. Have some toast.

You said you'd go shopping.

I will, later.

Managed to get to the offie all right.

I'm not here to skivvy round you!

You know what? I can't do this anymore.

-This isn't a life.

-What do you mean?

I'm moving out.

FOOTBALL ON RADIO Come on! Goal! Get in there!

-Who said you could borrow that?

-I didn't think you'd mind.

-You know what? Keep it.

-Serious?

Take the fighting games, too.

-How come?

-I'm all about the kayaking now.

I don't know what to say. Thanks.

You ain't going to beat those scores anyway.

You been necking steroids, you?

If I fail this trial,

they'll never let me back on the water.

I appreciate you pulling strings. Straight As this time.

Oh, really? What, like all that studying you were doing last week?

I was acclimatising. The air's thinner up here.

Madi, Welcome.

-We hope you'll be very happy here.

-Thank you.

Maybe some time apart will do you and your mum some good.

Mum's the problem. Not me.

Shall I show you round?

I'll be fine.

Well, now I remember what a confident young lady she is.

Yeah, it's no wonder she clashed with her mum.

-What's she saying about her coming to live with you?

-I wouldn't know.

-She put the phone down on me.

-Mothers and daughters, eh?

-What about Jez, what does he say?

-Not much.

I haven't be able to get in touch with him yet.

Well, I think you're doing the right thing for now, anyway.

-Morning.

-Morning, Tom.

-Microfilm?

-There's a blast from the past.

-Local history project.

The decline of Greenock's shipping industry.

My great-great-grandfather was in the navy.

Reputed to have served under Nelson.

-Moaning about the weevils in the biscuits, no doubt.

-My word, Daniel.

You could stand your spoon up in that.

Morning, campers.

-You get my voice mail?

-Yes, I did. I don't think I can make it tonight.

Go on! It'll be a right laugh. Five star hotel, a few local celebs.

-What's this?

-Charity auction tonight. I need a plus one.

-Never know. Might bag yourself a footballer!

-What, another one?

I really don't know...

I quite fancy myself as a WAG.

You know, have a weekly gossip column.

Shame they're all a bit light on the old grey matter.

Match made in heaven, if you ask me.

-You know what? I will come.

-Right answer!

Morning.

-Mind if I use your office?

-Be my guest.

-Morning, all.

-ALL: Morning.

-Good weekends?

Mine consisted of two water bombs, three nuisance calls

and dog excreta through the letter box.

Those Havelock kids are going to town on you.

The question is, what do you intend to do about it?

This would have been resolved

if you hadn't barged into my meeting with Finlay last week.

-Now, other news. Cindy is off sick. Stomach bug.

-Oh, really?

Well, what about Tariq?

-She was due to take him to his kayak trial this afternoon.

-I'll take him.

Good man. The last thing Tariq needs is his confidence knocked.

Mr Finlay.

-To what do we owe this pleasure?

-35 student files as requested.

Don't think there was any need to bring them over here personally.

The government pays seven grand per pupil.

So that's, what, nearly 250 grand

-that he has robbed out of my till!

-We offered the community

an alternative and they voted with their feet.

And who can blame them, frankly.

-You know, you always were an old wind bag.

-I think you better leave.

Don't worry. Michael doesn't need a bodyguard.

He's more than capable of handling himself.

You have ten seconds to get out of here and I'm calling the police.

I'm sure they'd be delighted to hear from you. Be like old times!

Tom, would you mind escorting Mr Finlay off the premises, please?

With pleasure.

-What was all that about?

-Who knows.

-There was five of them.

-So?

Five of them. Five of us.

Bruv, chill. Who cares? It's only dog poo.

-Did Rhiannon get a good look at them?

-What's it to you?

I used to go to Havelock. I could put some names to faces.

She said it all happened too fast.

Hello, stranger.

-Madi!

-You all right!

What are you doing here?

My mum was getting on my nerves.

Needy doesn't come close.

So you drop everything and move 200 miles up north?

You know what they say. A change is as good as a rest.

-Thought you were with Ronan.

-She obviously did the dirty on him.

Excuse me, Tariq.

-Are you not going to say hello?

-Oh, my God, Tariq.

It's all right. No point pretending.

-So, um... Does everything still work downstairs?

-Madi!

Why don't you sit on my lap and find out?

Same old Tariq.

Aren't you going to introduce us, then?

-I can't remember his name.

-Angus.

-Gus.

-Madi.

SCHOOLBELL RINGS

Right, you can show me where my new form room is, then.

For you.

-For the cinema tickets.

-Didn't miss much.

-Paranormal Activity's way better.

-Maybe we could go another time.

See you later, then.

-Found anywhere yet?

-Early days.

There's a homeless hostel down the road if you're stuck.

-Excuse me, miss?

-Yes, pet?

Do you have any rooms in the school house?

Angus, would you hand these out for me please?

Are you OK?

Forget about what Madi said. About...you know.

-It's just her way.

-Why are you making excuses for her?

I'm not.

So why say anything? Feeling sorry for me, is that it?

No.

Well, I don't need your pity, you get me?

-I thought I might tag along to the trials this afternoon.

-No, thanks.

Well, why not? We should all come and watch you.

-A bit of moral support from your mates.

-I don't want you chatting

about climbing up mountains.

All that psycho babble. It'll just put me off my game.

Tariq, seeing as though you're so chatty, why don't you start us off?

What does Holden Caulfield's red hat tells us about him?

He's got about as much dress sense as you, sir.

LAUGHTER

Sir, there's not enough to go round.

Tariq, why don't you make yourself useful?

Go grab the rest from the car. Anybody else?

No, no, no!

Believe it or not, these were the memory sticks of their day.

Imogen, what did I just say?

Sorry, miss.

These bits of plastic

contain hundreds of local newspaper articles.

All you have to do

is wind the film across the glass plate,

et voila!

Now, into groups. Find as many articles as you can

from 1985 that illustrate the impact

of the shipyard closures on the area.

Want to team up?

Come on, you work with me.

-So how come you're Billy No-Mates?

-I've got plenty of mates.

Right. I'll join the back of the queue(!)

Most of them at my old school.

-So, you settling in OK?

-Fine.

Good.

-Will you be all right if I nip out tonight?

-Ooh, hot date?

Miss Donnegan's invited me to be her plus one at a charity do.

-I'll cook you something before I go.

-I'm perfectly capable of rustling up

-a bowl of pasta.

-You sure?

-Trust me.

-Good, all right.

Connor seemed pretty adamant.

Well, that's Connor for you. An Oscar winner in the making.

Hostage to the hormones?

I find one tough going.

How do you manage 16?

Ears to listen, arms to hug

-and a hide like a rhino.

-Good advice.

-I'll leave it with you then.

-Thanks.

KNOCK ON DOOR Yeah?

-Ah, the very man.

-Not now.

These attacks on the schoolhouse. Something needs to be done.

-You're making a mountain out of a molehill.

-So that's it, is it?

The sum total of your advice? Suffer in silence?

If you can't put up with a bit of high jinx,

then maybe I should start looking for someone else who can.

-Is that clear?

-Oh, crystal!

Back again, Mr Findlay?

-Did you get my voicemail?

-I haven't had a chance to get back to you.

Look at this. Paper gold.

Took me ages to find that in the library.

Attempted murder?

Not what you'd call a shining example to the pupils.

-You could stick up a few of these round the school.

-Me?

-Save me a job.

A fifth columnist. Sayonara, Mr Byrne!

If I got caught, he'd sack me. It's too risky.

What are you, a man or a mouse? Come on!

-This is your chance to pull the rug.

-I'm sorry.

(But I won't tell if you don't.)

I don't know how I'm going to read Catcher In The Rye by Friday.

That's what the internet's for.

Or you could come round mine tonight,

maybe give me a crash course?

-You got a free house?

-All night.

Hey, you lot! Madi's got a free house tonight! Who's up for a party?

-What?

-It'll be fun. I can get to know your mates.

-Do you have cable TV?

-Of course!

-Cracking match tonight.

-You a footie man?

-Gunners through and through.

-No-one's watching the football.

-We could find a pub.

Shame. Strip poker's not much fun when it's just the girls.

Well, we could always watch the highlights I guess.

I knew that would work!

-It were you.

-Me what?

-It were you at the school house this morning.

-It wasn't my idea.

Hey, Phoenix. Guess what?

DRIPPING

What's that?

Oh, my God! You haven't! Tariq's gone and wet himself!

LAUGHTER

The guy's a human snail trail!

Oi, leave it, yeah?

Snail trail? That's a good one.

You might as well call me the Urinator. I'll be cack!

-Bet you're glad you didn't sit on his lap now, eh?

-Why are you being such a jerk?

-Are you OK, pal?

-I'm fine.

It doesn't matter any more.

Connor! Connor, please.

Let's not fight.

You started it. Like you always do.

I know. I'm sorry.

After everything I've done for you. You could've been burnt to a crisp

-if it wasn't for me.

-I'll always be grateful.

-You got a funny way of showing it.

-To be honest,

I'm still trying to get my head round it.

-I don't know what I'd have done if anything had happened.

-Mum, don't.

The fire was a wake up call. I will change this time, I promise.

Like that last time? And the time before that?

You know our trouble, we're too similar.

That's Taurus for you. Two bulls in a china shop.

You still don't buy into all that, do you?

Remember when you used to read out our horoscopes every morning?

That was ages ago. I was like ten or something.

-You're still my little boy.

-Mum...

It's just been so stressful lately.

My new job, the fire. We just need to spend a bit more time together.

Tell you what. This weekend, you and me, we'll go walking in the hills.

We could take our old sketch pads.

-OK.

-Yeah?

Great.

Work, you stupid...!

TYPING

Trudi, how's Canada?

I hope the hotel ain't working you too hard.

I got the pictures.

You and Finn look happy. Really happy.

I'm glad.

Really glad.

Thing is, I can't come to see you.

But I couldn't not speak to you.

Make you understand.

Dad doesn't come to the phone.

Nas, she's too young.

Thing is, I'm moving on myself.

Can't live like this, you get me?

You can rob a man of everything except his pride.

Look after Dad and Nas, yeah?

I love you.

You going to be long? I've got an assignment to finish.

Nah. It's all yours.

-What can I get you?

-Sausage roll, please.

You patched things up with your mam?

Sort of. I guess.

I'm glad. It's probably better you stay living at home for now.

-Have you spoken to her?

-After I bumped in to you.

I should've known.

-That old cow's got me hook, line and sinker.

-That's no way to talk about your mam!

Why can't you just keep your beak out of everyone else's business?

You think I'd let you in the schoolhouse with that attitude?

Like I'd want to live with a stupid old cow like you anyway!

Pick them up.

PUPILS CHATTER

Now.

Verbally abusing a member of staff

will not be tolerated, it doesn't matter who it is.

-I'm not sure detention's going to solve Connor's problems.

-Go on.

I've chalked up enough years to know

when a child's having difficulties at home.

-I'll have a word with Christine.

-Are you OK?

-Seconds out. Round two.

-What did you say?

Is it true, sir? Is this really you?

-Where did you get this?

-It's on all the notice boards.

One of my year 12s must have found it on the microfilm. I am so sorry.

Well, is there a problem here?

You love it, more like. That's been the third time this month.

Well, Cheryl and me may have a mutual interest in tutti-frutti ice cream, that's true...

Oh.

Sian.

-Have you seen this?

-No.

-They're all over the school.

Did you know anything about it?

No, I didn't.

RADIO PLAYS

Watch it.

-Don't you start.

-What's up?

It's Tariq, he's in a right hump with me. I mean, what have I done now?

-Forget it, he nearly bit my head off this morning.

-What for?

Playing his PSP. Then he's went all nice and said I could have it.

-What, for keeps?

-Yeah.

-It's worth over a hundred quid!

I know, it's well good.

-Here, guess what? We got a spy in the camp.

-What you on about?

Gus Hancock. He were the guy in the hoodie this morning.

-What, are you sure?

-I saw it in his bag, break time.

I'm gonna deck him next time I see him.

What, and get an exclusion? He's not worth it.

After what he said to Tariq? Some mate you are!

BELL RINGS

I've done a sweep of the notice boards. That's as many as I could find.

-How is the mood in the staff room?

-Shocked, obviously.

But not half as shocked as me.

-Look, Sian...

-You blatantly lied to me.

You said you and your dad fell out over some Christmas argument.

Well, it's not something I wanted to broadcast.

Why did you do it?

I had my reasons.

Is that all I'm going to get?

Some things are private.

Findlay really did a number on me, didn't he?

-We don't even know it was him.

-If it wasn't him, then who?

I don't know. You seem to have a habit of making enemies.

Best of luck for the trial, by the way.

And don't you worry - you'll walk it.

Thanks, sir. Can't wait.

Tariq!

-Tell him.

-Tell him what?

-He's going to fight Angus.

-No-one disses my mate.

Who are you, Tony Soprano?

Look, I don't need you fronting up for me. I tread my own path.

-But he attacked the schoolhouse.

-Who cares? Life's too short.

-Excuse me. Tariq?

-Oh, what?

Go on. He won't bite.

Erm...

..I'm sorry for what I said the other week.

I don't believe God is punishing you.

I'm sure it's all part of His plan for you.

-Plan? What plan? He doesn't exist.

-You don't know what you're saying.

-Oh, go bash your Bible somewhere else, yeah?

-Bro...

Since when did you stop believing in God?

What's the big deal? Changed my mind, innit?

It's probably just the nerves, for these trial this afternoon.

-Well, I did offer to go and cheer him on.

-Yeah, we should. Maybe we could take your mind off of it.

-We'll all come and cheer you on.

-Great idea.

Why don't you just back off, yeah?

Dad, can I have a word?

It's about Tariq.

I don't know, he's acting all weird.

It's... It's like he's...

-He's disconnected from everyone, everything...

-Doesn't he want to do the kayaking?

-No, it's all he ever talks about.

-Well, that's called focus.

Knock, knock. As requested, your computer is now unlocked.

Chalky, you're a genius.

I gave your registry files a quick spring clean while I was at it.

You'll be bringing down the Pentagon next.

What's my new password, by the way?

Muppet1.

-Oh, thanks, mate(!)

-Capital M.

-You'll be late for your next lesson.

-Dad, this is serious.

-I'm sure Tariq appreciates you looking out for him, but...

-But what?

Don't you think you should loosen the reigns a little bit?

Forget about it.

Josh...

Tariq.

Tariq, wait up.

The trials?

We want to come see you. See you smash it.

-Thought you had a big fight to get to.

-No, like you said...

-life's too short.

-Is it? Or are you just too scared

-you're going to get your arse whooped?

-As if.

-Prove it.

After all, he did diss me.

Go and show them Havelock lot who's boss.

What are you doing?

Nothing, miss.

Heads' office - now!

Can I have a word?

Problem?

'Fraid so. It's Connor.

-Oh, yeah?

-I caught him pinning this up in the corridor.

He's in Michael's office now.

Where did he get this?

I think he must've found the articles amongst the microfilms in my local history class.

Great(!) Just great.

Christine...

I can only imagine, but...

bringing up a young man on your own, it must be so hard.

SHE SIGHS

How would you know?

-Hancock.

-Yeah?

You better be on top of your game, lad. Phoenix is raging

about what you did this morning. He's got you in his cross hairs.

That moron? I could take him any day.

It ain't just Phoenix. They're planning their own little fox hunt.

Tonight after school. And if I were you, I'd get some back up.

-Let me say, I am mortified.

-Don't worry.

Take a seat.

Whatever punishment you see fit, I will back you all the way.

Well, actually, I wanted to talk about Connor more generally.

It's been brought to my attention that...

I'm not quite sure how to say this...

-I know what you're going to say.

-Do you?

-Strictly between you and me?

-Mm-hm.

Connor is a very troubled child.

It does seem that way, yes.

He doesn't make friends easily. He isolates himself.

You any idea why that might be?

I think in his own...muddled way,

he resents me for divorcing his dad.

How do you mean?

I starved him of a role model.

Connor craves attention.

Maybe this is his way of getting yours.

Me?

Well...

I don't know what to say. I mean, he really looks up to you.

-Right, I see.

-It's awkward, I know, but if you could just single him out

for a bit of praise now and then...

I know it would really help.

Right, well, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on him.

-Thanks.

-OK.

Don't even think about it.

Phoenix the hard man(!)

-Shame you can't handle me one-on-one.

-What you on about?

You lot. Planning to gang up on me.

Only I've gone and called a few of my mates. Even things up a bit.

What are you talking about?

Don't act like you don't know. Tariq told me everything. Four o'clock.

Behind the old tech block.

I'll see you there.

I thought Tariq didn't want any trouble.

We're going to need more people.

I can only apologise again, Michael.

I should have made sure that those microfilms were returned.

Look, don't worry, Audrey. Not your fault.

-So did you suspend him?

-Lunchtime detention.

Seems a little light.

Well, if I don't make a big deal out of it, then hopefully the kids won't.

Ah, Mr Byrne. I was sorry to read about your father.

I hope he's recovered sufficiently.

He's fine, Grantly. Thanks for the concern.

Why, what's happened?

It appears Michael here is somewhat of a pugilist.

-Arrested for attempted murder, if you don't mind.

-Grantly...

It was a long time ago. One of the kids found an old newspaper article

-and put it up all over the school.

-Who?

-Connor Mulgrew.

Christine's boy?

Audrey caught him red-handed pinning it to the notice board.

Well, I hope you won't be too harsh on him.

It was obviously a prank that misfired

and, well, there are worse things that you can do.

So it's true. You did try to kill your dad?

No, that isn't quite what happened. And for the record,

-my father refused to press charges.

-The damage is done, though.

An indelible stain on the character.

Food fight!

GIRL SCREAMS You!

I'm surprised at you. Cooler - now!

-What happened to "life's too short"?

-What?

Arranging that fight. Oh, very smart(!)

Don't worry, I'll be there.

Just cos you're in a wheelchair, it doesn't give you the right to act like a numpty.

Oi, Harley!

Do us a favour. Make sure Josh get this after school, yeah?

Tariq, are you all set?

Yeah.

Harley...

..look after yourself, yeah?

Oh, hello. What are you in for?

-Food fight, sir.

-Food fight?!

Take a seat.

(I thought you might be hungry, so...)

Hold on. You got into detention to give me these?

Lunch times are overrated anyway.

-But I thought you weren't interested.

-Ssh!

-What do you mean?

-Well, you've blanked me all day.

It's just the way I am. Away with the fairies sometimes.

Will you be quiet, please?

MUSIC: "Rescue Me" by Gemma Ray

Be careful.

It's held together by plastic.

I melted a pen top.

It's beautiful.

Right, that's it. Come on, down the front.

# Opiated, medicated Dreams I, I held dear

# A million miles from here

# Won't you come over and rescue me?... #

The trouble with you, Grantly, is you're rather predicable.

Beg your pardon?

You, in the canteen, defending Connor like that.

-Normally, you'd string him up by his shoelaces.

-Don't know what you mean.

And guess what I found.

Or rather, what I didn't find.

That article didn't come from my local history class, did it?

I hope you're not insinuating that I'm involved.

I'm not insinuating at all. I'm openly accusing you.

-I had nothing to do with it.

-Maybe I should discuss it with Michael, see what he has to say.

About what?

I should've known.

Nothing but conjecture and hearsay.

My hands are clean.

I do hope so, Grantly, because it would be a terrible shame

to have to let you go. Especially as you're so near to retirement.

-I was merely a witness.

-Who?

Gerard Findlay.

-Josh.

-What?

-I came here to give you this.

-Is that Tariq's chain?

-He gave it me to give to Josh.

-"Thanks for being a good mate."

-No way. You best look after that.

Why is he giving all his stuff away? It doesn't make sense.

Oh, my God.

What?

You hear about this all the time, don't you?

People getting ready. Packing their things up.

-What are you talking about?

-I saw him before sending an e-mail. He did look a bit upset.

-Sir, you're good with computers, aren't you?

-Why?

I need you to hack into Tariq's e-mail account.

-I think he's going to harm himself.

-Hack in?

-You can't do that to a private email account.

-Oh, yeah?

And how will that sound at an inquest?

Which terminal was he at?

I wonder what your board of governors would say.

What you doing here?

I knew you wouldn't meet me if I phoned, so I made Grantly do it.

-That spineless goon set me up!

-Not nice, is it?

The parents have got a right to know. You're a dangerous man

-and shouldn't be allowed anywhere near their kids.

-I'm sorry that Havelock has suffered

since we opened our doors. But we both want the same thing.

We both care passionately about education.

Oh, spare me the sound bites!

This isn't about them. It's about you.

You and your over-inflated ego. And I found the pin.

Look, you can spin that all you like, it was a one-off.

Yeah, so your dad said.

All the old shipyard boys still make the pilgrimage to my local.

What's he said?

Well, far be it from me to betray a confidence.

-There's no currency to be made here. I'd quit while you were ahead.

-Or what?

You going to duff me up?

-Show us your true colours.

-This is childish.

Oh, I get it. Yeah. Yeah, you're a lover, not a fighter.

Must take after your mum then.

I beg your pardon?

Couldn't keep her knickers on, according to your dad.

-Nice try. What, you think I'm going to walk right into that one?

-Come on.

Show us your true colours.

I'm leaving.

HE LAUGHS CONTEMPTUOUSLY

That's you to a tee, isn't it?

Care more about your ploughman's than your pupils.

Sanctimonious little...

Argh! Oh...

MOBILE RINGS You mind how you go.

Daniel?

It's not your turn for ages yet.

I want to get used to being in the water. Get a feel for it.

I could've sworn I've just heard my phone ring.

-I think you left it in the car, sir.

-Did I?

-You be all right on your own?

-Yeah.

-Right, I'll be two minutes.

I hope you're proud of yourself.

-Tariq's only threatened to top himself.

-Yeah, right.

-Sick.

-Why would we joke about that?

He's our mate. And it's all your fault.

I didn't mean those things. It was meant to be a laugh.

We'll see who's laughing later, won't we?

-BELL RINGS

-Why wait?

Let's just do him here and now.

Hey.

Come on, you lot. Lessons.

Any word, sir?

Not yet, but he'll be fine. You'll see.

This isn't fair.

They can't pin this on me.

SOMBRE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

I don't get it. It doesn't make sense.

Daniel says he seen the video message he made for his sister.

He seemed fine to me.

What's he doing out there on his own? Tariq!

Tariq!

Keep an eye on him, I'll get some help.

Tariq!

-Oh, my God. Can we hurry up, please?

-Tariq!

Thank you.

Tariq!

Tariq!

HE SPLUTTERS AND GASPS FOR AIR

Get off me! Get off me!

-Let go of me!

-Tariq, just calm down!

-Let go!

-Get off me!

-You're all right. Relax. OK. You're OK.

Get off!

Him first, him first. Him first.

This should warm you up.

Can you call Janeece?

-Think we should inform Ed Psych.

-Sure.

How long have you felt like this?

Have you spoken to anyone about it?

Come on, talk to me, Tariq.

I really want to help you.

Then you should've let me die.

So X plus two equals three plus X six, brackets, X plus two squared...

-Psst.

-..close brackets, squared, equals three X plus six...

This of course is an example of an equation,

because the equality only...

-MOBILE VIBRATES

-Go on, sir.

It'll be about Tariq.

-TEXT MESSAGE NOTIFICATION

-What does it say, sir?

Tariq's OK.

CHATTERING

So, if we substitute the X for a one on the left hand side here,

what does that make it?

Any, any, any ideas?

You know, talking's usually the first step towards to recovery.

Are you a shrink now?

No.

But I know it works.

Talking ain't gonna make me walk again.

This chair...

a prison with wheels. A life sentence.

Doesn't have to be that way.

You ain't sat here, looking up at the world. People talking over you

-like you're invisible or something.

-That's not your fault.

Then why am I made to feel like it?

I didn't want this.

Maybe Lula's right. This is payback.

This isn't about fate. Or karma.

Or any of that crap. It was just...

a dreadful, dreadful accident, Tariq.

Don't change the fact that I'm in here.

My mates used to give me props.

I was the man.

I had respect.

And now...

-I pee myself.

-But there are people who care about you.

Your friends, they care about you.

They feel sorry for me. There's a difference.

-Why not?

-I've had enough heat for one day. I don't want to get involved.

-But you are involved. It's your school, as well.

-I'm sorry, yeah?

Is this it? Five of you?

It's enough to take yous lot on.

We'll see, shall we?

So, do you want us to bring anything for tonight?

-I was thinking of postponing it.

-Here come the excuses.

-Shut up, you.

All right, come round at eight.

-Sian will be long gone by then.

-Madi.

Can I have a word, please?

It's not always about other people.

None of us are hostages to life. We can choose the way that we live it.

Like you'd know(!)

HE LAUGHS

Well, I've had my fair share of ups and downs.

I left home when I was 16.

What happened?

I drifted about. Got mixed up with the wrong crowd.

Stayed angry with the world.

What changed?

Well, for me...

..it was picking up a book.

It just made me realise there was a whole world out there

for the taking.

-It means nothing if you're on your own.

-You're not on your own.

My dad doesn't talk to me.

And Trudi, she's on the other side of the world.

-Where does that leave me?

-Not alone.

Do you not see that your friends would be devastated

if you weren't around?

And all of us teachers, as well.

So let's get through this thing together.

Yeah?

'I thought we were mates.'

-You're under my roof, you're under my supervision. Is that clear?

-But...

-Is that clear?

-Yes. So what about the party?

-There is no party.

Well, you can't cancel!

-My street cred'll be on the floor.

-Madi...

Please.

You were the new girl once.

All right, fine. But I will be upstairs.

-And it's a school night, so gone by nine.

-No way.

-Take it or leave it.

You won't tell my mates?

Well, they'll have seen the webcam message.

-They're going to think I'm weak.

-No, they won't.

I think we'll be giving this a miss.

No. Bring it on.

-Tariq, it's not a good idea.

-I don't want to go back.

I want to do the trial.

Would you just give us one minute?

-Are you sure about this?

-100%.

You can't be serious. Look, it's too soon.

Well, he'll be accompanied this time.

He's in no fit state.

Maybe we should let Tariq make that decision.

I'm OK. I want to do this.

You haven't got anything to prove to anyone.

I'm doing this for me.

Tariq's strong.

He can do this.

We just need to give him this chance.

Well, it's your neck on the line.

What are we waiting for?

Go.

How's he doing?

All things considered, not bad.

How did you get on with Ed Psych?

She can fit him in this afternoon.

Tom, did you have any idea that he felt that way?

Not a clue.

We really don't know what people are capable of.

-Oh, Sian, you can't back out on me now.

-I'm so sorry.

-I have to babysit a group of year 13s, so...

-SHE SIGHS

Well, I'll come, if you like.

You?

I am house-trained, and I've not had the chance to go out in weeks.

-Why not?

-SHE LAUGHS

How's Connor?

Lucky to be here. Good job Michael's so understanding.

Don't be too hard on him.

Thanks for the parenting advice.

But I don't need it.

What are you doing tonight?

I don't think I've got anything in my diary...

D'you fancy baby-sitting for us?

Only, Lorraine's asked me to go to this charity thing

and I can't exactly let the boss down, can I?

Yeah, why not? I'm having CBeebies withdrawal symptoms anyway.

Brilliant.

Mwah, you are an angel. Hey, wish me luck.

-Why?

-You never know, might even bag myself a footballer!

DOOR CLOSES

-Come on, Tariq!

-Keep pushing!

That's it!

-Come on, Tariq!

-Final push, come on!

-Come on!

-That's you, come on. Keep pushing.

-Come on, almost there!

-Come on, Tariq!

-Come on!

-Good lad.

How'd I do?

-Yes, get in!

-Good news?

-Fastest time. Who's the man?

-Well done, you, well done,

really, well done.

(I'm sorry, she's seen the articles on my desk.)

Do you realise how much damage this could do to the school?

-I wasn't charged with anything.

-That doesn't change the facts.

-You nearly killed someone.

-And I've changed.

From a broken home to the head of a thriving independent school.

I mean, isn't that the point?

Isn't that what we should be trying to teach these kids,

that they can change their lives?

It's a good angle. We might use that in our press release.

That... That's not quite what I meant.

-Any other bombshells you want to drop while you're at it?

-No.

Good.

-I'll see if the counsellor's arrived yet.

-Cheers.

You all right?

I've had better days.

-Here y'ar.

-I can't. It was a gift.

Permanent loan.

Thanks.

It's nearly four o'clock. The fight!

Oh, we've got to go. Get me there.

-What time is it?

-Five-to.

-They should be on their way.

-Maybe they've just bottled it.

-Don't think so somehow.

We are so going to get our heads kicked in.

Least we're going to go down fighting, aren't we?

Lula. Have you seen Tariq and Josh?

-You would tell me if you knew, though, right?

-Yes.

-Lula.

-SHE SIGHS

-They will think I told you on purpose.

-Told me what?

Come on, then.

You first.

< Come on.

Take him.

THEY ALL SHOUT

Come on!

No! Wait!

Stop, man. Let go!

-Stop!

-Come on!

Don't, let go.

Don't. Let go, yeah? Look, it's my bad, yeah?

It's my fault.

I've caused this. Don't yous get it?

I set you up.

Let's just walk away. Come on.

-I'll give you a hand.

-What you doing?!

Get off!

Oi!

That's enough!

-Are you all right?

-Yeah, I'm fine.

Answers. Now!

Gus worked out who was attacking the schoolhouse. He took a stand.

Violence won't be tolerated.

It stops - now. Now get home, the lot of you.

-Thanks.

-You're on probation, lad.

Er, what's that?

Don't worry, it's only dirty washing.

Well, I'm not doing it.

-Not after your performance today.

-As if.

-And you can forget about Saturday.

-Like you'd be able to drag yourself out of bed in the first place.

I have got everyone nosing into our business because of you.

Anything to brighten up Audrey's sad excuse for a life, I suppose(!)

Ever looked in the mirror lately? SHE SIGHS

Oh, you think you're so smart.

I wonder what Mr Byrne would say if he knew the truth.

You can try and make me look bad all you like.

It won't do any good. I poured my heart out in his office.

What did you say?

I told him that you're a devious, selfish little weirdo

that can't be trusted. I mean, what is a mother to do?

Mum, sorry...

Mum!

DOOR OPENS

You wanted to cast your eye over the IEPs.

Thanks.

Sian.

I'm sorry I haven't been open with you.

It's just not something I wanted to shout about.

Cos bottling it up is going to help(!)

-Ask Tariq.

-I'm not bottling anything up.

-There's no guilt here, certainly no remorse.

-You must feel something.

My father deserved everything he got.

That man beat my mother like clockwork.

Shoes not polished enough? The belt. Dinner too hot?

Dinner too cold? The back of his hand. D'you want me to go on?

-Why didn't she leave him?

-She didn't want him to start on me.

She always made sure I was in my bed when he got home from the pub.

Out of sight.

And she waited.

Never put up a fight.

I'd lie there listening to it and there was nothing I could do

because he was bigger than me.

Then one day, I was bigger than him.

My only regret is I never finished the job.

You don't mean that.

Don't I?

You're talking about murder.

About taking someone's life.

No, this isn't someone. This is THAT man, this is my father.

What I did to him, that doesn't make me a monster.

I'll have to take your word for that.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

You know full well you attacked me in the pub.

-You fell into a table.

-That what you told the police

-when they arrested you for beating your father to a pulp?

-So we lost six pupils, fine.

But if a trickle becomes a flood, different story.

FIRE ALARM SOUNDS It's probably just a false alarm.

You don't know this place, do you?

You're jealous. Jealous I've got somebody in my life

compared to your sad, empty existence.

WOLF WHISTLE

-Oi, Imogen. I thought your mum had gone home.

-She has.

Well, who's that old hag giving Gus a biology lesson in Phoenix's room?

How many more pupils will have to go before you do something?

You know something, I really should never have come back here.

Too many ghosts.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd