Episode 4 Waterloo Road

It's beautiful.

I can't live like this, you get me?

-Let go!

-Just calm down.

-I think we'll be giving this a miss.

-No. Bring it on.

How did I do?

Yes! Get in!

Sanctimonious little...

I told him that you're a devious,

selfish little weirdo that can't be trusted.

I mean, what is a mother to do?

Is it true, sir? Is this really you?

That man beat my mother like clockwork.

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

I'll have to take your word for that.

Lift those legs.

It's all about the heart rate.

Thirty-second breather.

If you're this tough on the kids, they'll row the Atlantic

-by lunch time.

-What's this sponsored rowing thing in aid of anyway?

One of the kids, Tariq, he's in a wheelchair.

So they're fundraising to get him a new kayak.

-Is Imogen involved?

-Who?

-My daughter?

-No idea.

On the floor. Crunches. Give me ten reps.

Go!

You should pop in and say hello.

No chance.

I've got a meeting with Michael, the head.

Is he as charming as people say he is?

Why? Want me to put in a good word for you?

Me? No. Not my type.

What is your type?

Tall. Funny. Faithful.

Sally, he's gone. Get over it.

Press-ups.

What do we know about any of the rest of the staff at this place?

Is everything all right here?

-What happened to you?

-I told you he'd deny it.

-What?

-You know full well you attacked me in the pub.

-You fell over into a table.

-Is that what you told the police

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

Could you get that thing out of my face, please?! Thank you very much.

Miss Donnegan, have you any statement

regarding Michael Byrne's assault after luring me to the pub last week?

No comment.

This is private property, all right,

I'm going to have to ask you all to leave.

People have a right to know the truth.

That's fine, I'm sure you'll give it to them.

Your version of it, at any rate.

What the hell is going on?

Gerard's playing dirty again.

He said you lured him to a pub.

No, I challenged him about his smear campaign.

You promised me, no more bombshells.

-I didn't touch him!

-So where did he get his injuries?

He hasn't even made a complaint to the police.

-PHONE BEEPS

-Yet.

Thanks for your support(!)

Tanya? Give me good news...

Are you joking?

What?

It's about time you got a bit of glamour in your life.

I don't even like red.

But, babes, they'll go lovely with the dress.

-You think I'd be seen dead wearing this?

-You've got a great figure.

You should be showing it off, not hiding it

under those baggy moth-eaten jumpers.

Still, I suppose I could always squeeze myself into it.

Every cloud, eh, mum?

Shall we open the rest of your cards?

-Whatever.

-PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Happy birthday.

-Sing it then.

Sing it? No chance, are you mental?

How did you know it was my birthday anyway?

-I have telepathic powers.

-Very funny.

How do you think? Facebook.

I better go. See you later.

Er...right.

What's up?

Dad's getting married.

I made you breakfast.

I'm not hungry.

You have to eat something, or...

Or what?

You'll hit me again?

How many times do I have to say it? I'm sorry.

Sorry's not good enough, Connor.

Look, Mum, it was going to happen sooner or later.

Course. I'm happy for him.

Who was on the phone before?

A mate.

-Why don't you ask them over tonight?

-What?

You could wear that dress I bought. That new bar in town is quite dressy.

Might even slip you a cocktail if you're lucky.

I can't. I've got plans.

What sort of plans?

-We're going to the cinema.

-You can do that another night.

Last showing.

Thanks for the lift.

Wait, wait, I'll walk in with you. Where's the visitors' parking?

Why?

Didn't I say? I'm helping out at this rowing event.

Please tell me you're joking.

What? I can't let Lorraine down. She asked for me especially.

You're not coming dressed in that?

What's wrong with it?

Morning, Christine. Cup of coffee?

No, thank you.

If this was the public sector, he'd be looking at a suspension.

-So you do think he's guilty then?

-No, I didn't say that.

Why don't you ask Grantly? He used to be your old union rep, didn't he?

-Yeah, how come you're so quiet?

-If you must know,

Michael has my full and unequivocal support.

Ditto. Innocent until proven guilty, that's my motto.

It doesn't look good though, does it?

Gerard's allegations all over the press.

Press? You mean wee Marie out there?

She's one of his old pupils.

She works on the obituary desk. He's obviously bullied her into it.

-It's just his style.

-Still. A son hitting a parent.

It's not the best example.

I'm sure Michael had his reasons. Whatever they might be.

And I'd have bopped Gerard Findlay on the nose myself

given half the chance.

-Morning, everyone.

-Morning.

-Good morning.

I'm sure you've all encountered Gerard Findlay outside.

For the record, I'd just like to say

-I had nothing to do with his injuries.

-Never crossed our minds.

And don't forget,

there's a sixth form sponsored row taking place today in the hall...

How gratifying to see the students taking the initiative, Michael.

How far are they rowing anyway?

Edinburgh to Greenock. About eighty miles, give or take.

-Good on 'em, I say.

-Yeah, it'll be some achievement

if they complete the course in the time.

Tariq must be delighted his friends are raising money for him.

-How is he anyway?

-Making good progress,

but we should all keep an eye out.

All right, that's everything.

How you doing?

I'm fine.

Look, I thought that I should offer you an apology.

I should have told you about my dad.

It's fine. You don't owe me anything.

I didn't use all the hot water. Talk to Rhiannon.

That shower was freezing. I still can't even feel my feet.

I can't feel my legs.

It's a joke.

My mum's threatening to pull me out of school.

What? Why?

Why do you think? Bruiser Byrne.

Oh, well. Every cloud, eh?

Oi, Leave him. He's all right.

Here she is. Happy birthday.

-Thanks.

-I squared it with Maggie that you can come round tonight.

Cool.

-You coming?

-Nothing else on.

You want us to bring some drinks and stuff?

-What we need is a bottle of cider.

-Count me out. Don't drink.

Aww, what's up? Scared of Mummy finding out?

BELL RINGS This way, boys. Careful!

The health club will go spare if you get a scratch on them.

Lovely, thank you.

Excuse me, can I help you?

Sally Stewart. Lorraine's personal trainer.

She persuaded my boss to lend the rowing machines.

Wants me to make sure they don't do themselves an injury.

-That's very kind of you to volunteer.

-I don't mind.

Gives me a chance to see how my daughter's getting on.

-Who?

-Imogen? Year 12.

-Oh.

I know, I don't look old enough.

Here, you're a dark horse. Sticking one on Gerard Findlay?

I didn't hit him.

He's a right lazy so-and-so.

Never saw him in all the time Imogen was at Havelock.

Where's the ladies'?

Down the corridor. Second on the right.

-All right?

-Thanks for telling me.

Saves having to pay a teaching assistant.

-Morning. Here's your dry cleaning.

-Thank you.

Amazing dress. It looks just like the one that Cameron Diaz wore

-at the Oscars. Lush.

-Do you want to just pop it into the office?

I hope you're not taking advantage of her good nature.

Her good nature is what I pay her for.

Certainly not her brains.

What you two got there?

-Adapted rowing machine. Doing my bit.

-Oh, right.

How are you?

Don't worry. I'm never going back to that dark place again.

Glad to hear it.

Don't forget. I'm just down the hall.

Sorry. Excuse me, which way's the office again?

Through the left, through the double doors,

down and then through the next...

You lost me at the double doors.

I'll show you if you like.

So what's your name?

Connor.

And what year is Connor in?

12.

Really? You must know Imogen? Imogen Stewart.

Er...sort of. She kinda keeps herself to herself.

I'm Sally, by the way. I'm in charge of this rowing marathon.

Watch you guys sweat it out.

It's a tough job but someone's got to do it.

I hope you're getting involved.

I'm not really into sports.

Strapping lad like you? You could crack a walnut with those biceps.

-Davidson.

-Not here, sir.

Hamilton? What, no Stephanie either?

-You keep playing with it, you'll break it.

-How did you make it?

I'll show you sometime. I'll bring them round to yours one day.

-Mulgrew?

-Here.

And have my mum in our faces, hassling us all the time?

Could be worse. She could be a teacher.

She might as well be.

She's helping with this rowing thing.

Yeah, I know.

What?

Nothing.

Has she said something to you?

She was just being friendly...

How friendly?

Hey. I haven't finished the register yet!

Oh...she's tidy!

-That must be a record even for you.

-What?

Don't pretend like you don't know. Hitting on my mates!

I was being friendly! What do you want me to do?

Walk about with a face like a smacked bum like someone I know?

So you don't deny it then?

Calm down, darling. Showing yourself up.

I'M showing myself up?

Just goes to show we're not so different after all.

-Same taste in men for one.

-Like Connor would ever go for you.

He's a nice looking lad. You should invite him as your plus one

-to the wedding...

-I'm not taking anyone.

But you're young. You should be enjoying life.

You don't want to get left on the shelf...

I give up.

Right, what about the nurse, she's on £35K.

Lorraine, there is such a thing as duty of care.

How many grazed knees does she patch up in a day?

-It's never a full-time position, get rid of her.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

Mr Chalk and Miss McFall are here. Should I make them an appointment?

It'll only take two minutes...

Excuse me, if you want to speak to Miss Donnegan or Mr Byrne

you've got to come through me first.

Janeece...it's fine.

Sorry to interrupt, but Daniel and I are worried.

I've had four missing at registration this morning.

No calls from parents, nothing.

I've got two pupils have gone AWOL.

So there's a bug going round.

I've a nasty feeling parents are removing their children from school.

Just a feeling?

I'm a verger at the church.

I overheard the congregation discussing Michael's past.

They would take their kids out of school over that?

OK, thanks.

I tell you, when I see Gerard Findlay, I am going to...

What? Finish the job?

I didn't touch him, that's the God's honest truth.

The truth is what people perceive it to be.

So what, I'm a liability, now? You're just going to cut me loose?

So we lost six pupils. Fine. I won't be losing any sleep.

OK. Good.

But if a trickle becomes a flood... different story.

OK. In your groups discuss the role of women in Hamlet.

Someone take notes and original thoughts this time, please.

It's like she wants a piece of my life. Always so...

so....

Mums are nosy. It comes with the territory.

The ring. Hand it over.

-But...

-Now, please.

A ring made out of...

What is that?

-Paperclips?

-Careful, Miss. It's delicate.

Ah, young love.

Am I going to have to buy a new hat?

SHE SINGS: Going to the chapel and we're going to get married...

It's not like that.

Good job.

Talk about last of the big spenders, eh?

Actually, I like it.

Good on you. There's nothing wrong with being easily pleased.

Scout. Swap places with Imogen, please.

You keep your mouth shut.

Greenock to Edinburgh?

Isn't that like 100 miles?

Clarkson reckons it's about 80.

77 to be precise.

By lunchtime?

-Easy.

-Come on, boys. Don't let the pace drop.

Come on, slackers, what's this?!

No flies on you, is there?

I work out every day.

Cheers.

Least I can do.

Come on. We're never going to make it at this rate.

Lean out on the back swing, that's it.

Shoulders relaxed.

Push through the quads, feel the burn.

Come on, that's it... Time's up.

Come on, change round.

Remember to stretch off or you'll be too stiff to go again later.

It's a bit late for Gus.

Great row, Gus. That's how you do it, everyone.

Perfect technique.

It's been known.

And don't forget your worksheets.

I wasn't talking about you.

I heard you.

We were discussing her mum.

Like I'd waste my breath on you.

Give me the ring.

You know the rules, Connor. No jewellery in school.

This isn't about the ring. This is about Imogen.

Oh, please.

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

compared to your sad, empty existence.

Spare me the pop psychology.

You can be as hard on me as you like.

Water off a duck's back.

But I swear if you start on her, I'll make your life a misery.

You always were a petty little boy.

Try me.

-Mrs Mulgrew, do you have a minute?

-Yes.

Cough up. Put a smile on Tariq's face...

I'm saving all my money for the baby.

What about you?

I haven't got any change.

Dinner money will have to do then, won't it?

Hey, sorry if my mum embarrassed you earlier on.

It's cool. Did you get my ring back?

-Look, I'll make you another one.

-It's OK. You don't have to.

Don't you want me to?

Do you make all your mates jewellery?

Fair point.

Catch you later.

That's really hitting the spot.

Your husband's a lucky guy.

I'm divorced actually.

How come you still wear a wedding ring?

To keep away chancers like you.

Some serious knots here. You need a proper session.

How about tonight?

Nice try.

Do you miss home?

Some things. My friends, family.

I worry about their safety.

The Congo is volatile politically.

How come your English is so good?

I like to learn. Education creates opportunity.

You sound like Mr Byrne.

But it's true. You take so much for granted here.

Don't be shy. In you come.

So what else do you speak?

I speak French, Lingala, but French is my first language.

So you'd be able to do French homework with your eyes closed.

Why would I do that?

No, I mean that you'd be able to do it really easy.

Ah, all these phrases you have. You say things you don't mean.

I'm sure we'd be to help each other out.

OK, books open. Start the exercise on the board please.

I'm telling you, Sally can't get enough of me.

She's a tease, bruv. Spot it a mile off.

Yeah? I'll tell her you said that over our drink tonight.

She said, "Take a break, get a drink."

You're confused.

-You got a date?

-Trust me.

She's going to take me back to her boudoir and have her wicked way.

Oh, yeah? Did they take the word gullible out the dictionary and all?

Ten quid says I smash it.

All right then. You're on.

No, I understand that. Look, I can assure you, Mr Patterson,

there really is no need to remove Lucy from school.

Hello?

-You OK?

-No. Not really.

So deal with this. Speak to your dad.

Get him to set the record straight.

No.

So how many more pupils will have to go before you DO do something?

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

Too many ghosts.

Where is it?

Where's what?

You know exactly what.

No idea.

Please, Connor.

I need a...

I've got a full morning's classes and I can't leave.

Not my problem, sorry.

Do you think you're clever?

Well, you're not. You're nothing.

And your little wide-eyed wonder's probably laughing at you

behind your back.

Here. Take it.

You really want to be more careful.

CHILDREN LAUGH GLASS SMASHES

Ye wee rascals! See if I get my hands on you...

It's the polis they're needing... Or a firm hand.

Certainly boisterous.

Boisterous? See if I was 20 year younger...

Something I can help you with?

My name's Sian Diamond, Mr Byrne.

So let me guess. You're from the lottery, I've won the jackpot?

Er...

I'm a friend of Michael's.

I didn't think he even knew where I lived.

He doesn't know I'm here.

That figures.

It is important.

No doubt.

I suppose you'd better come in then.

Come on! Don't let the pace drop...

only 25 miles left to go.

Go on!

Where are you going? Come back.

We need you!

-Another one bites the dust. Come on!

-Josh.

It'll be your parents next.

I'm going nowhere.

The headmaster of the neighbouring school

is accusing Michael of hitting him.

HE COUGHS

Excuse me.

-And did he?

-No!

Findlay has a vendetta against Michael

because he can do his job properly.

The parents believe that Michael poses a threat to the students.

They found out about him getting arrested for assaulting you

when he was younger.

He might've killed me.

I think if they knew the reason why, they wouldn't be...

quite so judgemental.

There's no point dredging up the past.

There's a serious chance that Michael could lose his job.

He's always done his own thing. Why stop now?

You must think I'm a monster.

Will you help?

Mikey doesn't know you're here?

No.

I'll talk to Gerard.

His uncle and I used to work down the docks.

Gerard's all right, he's just a bit highly strung.

I know where he has his lunch.

FIRE ALARM BEEPS

-Right, that's us. We've got to go.

-Don't stop.

No, we can't, it's procedure.

But it's probably just a false alarm.

You obviously don't know this place, do you?

Keep moving to the assembly point, please.

Oi, fingers crossed we might get the afternoon off.

-Start the party early.

-What party?

It's just a get-together to celebrate my birthday.

-Sounds great.

-Count us in.

No need to get excited. I'm sure it's just a test.

Stay in your classes. Do not try my patience!

Disaster averted. Fire in the boiler house.

-I managed to put it out.

-Well done.

I hope it's not too serious.

Who cares? It's just a school.

We need to make up for lost time.

We've already lost three of the team.

-The parents have took them home.

-This is whack, Fam.

We're never going to complete the course in time.

That's the sponsor money gone.

Look it was a nice idea, yeah?

But I don't need my own kayak anyway.

Quitters never win. Winners never quit.

We're going to do this.

I can't do any more. I'm knackered.

Oh, I have got just the thing. Back in a minute.

Whoops!

Overdoing the sherry a bit, eh?

You don't look well.

Yeah, I think I must be coming down with something...

Come and have a sit down, I'll make you a cup of tea...

-No, no I'm fine.

-No, come on, I insist.

Hey, you lot. Get your lunch down you. We're on a mission.

-You what?

-We're men down.

We won't get across the finish line without a bit of moral support.

Give the boys a bit of a boost. Cheer them home.

Should be enough costumes to fit you all.

Is this a joke?

-Come on, it'll be a laugh.

-You wear it then.

All right.

This I've got to see.

Please, Mum, don't do this...

Mum?

-No way. You serious?

-I had her young... Come on.

Everyone else is up for it.

I'm not everyone else.

Suit yourself.

How many students is that?

-13.

-So far.

What, you don't think that's it?

We'll be collecting our P45s before you can say "mass exodus".

If only we'd been able to prevent the article

going up in the first place...

Can I have your attention, folks?

Did any of you have your students leaving class during fourth period?

Are we to round up the usual suspects?

Just preliminary inquiries.

None of mine.

No.. I don't think so...

You all right? You're shaking.

Oh, yeah, I just I haven't been sleeping much. I'm a mother.

-I worry.

-What's he done now?

We don't seem to be able to connect.

I keep asking myself, "What am I doing wrong?"

Firemen are in your office.

We'll catch up later.

-Have you called Lorraine?

-Did I? She nearly chewed me ear off!

All right?

Hey. Hey!

Earth to Imogen.

Sorry.

-You OK?

-Mum does my head in, that's all.

Snap.

-Fancy a swig?

-Where did you get that?

Where do you think? Most women keep make-up in their handbag,

but my mum's not most women.

I thought I had problems.

I feel like I can tell you anything.

Funny, innit?

What's wrong?

Nothing. Nothing, I've... I've got to go.

-Thanks for your time.

-No problem.

-Well?

-Fire was contained to the boiler room.

-We got lucky this time.

-How do you work that out?

The gas pipe to the boiler was corroded.

We're fortunate not to be pulling students from the rubble.

-It was on the list to be replaced.

-It doesn't matter now,

-the fire officer's condemned it.

-How much is that going to cost?

-A lot less than if the whole place went up.

-Do we know what started it?

Initially they thought one of the kids was having a crafty cig.

But now it turns out there was an accelerant used.

We definitely have an arsonist on our hands.

Great. Like things aren't bad enough already.

Five, six, seven, eight.

THEY CHANT: Two, four, six, eight

Who do we appreciate?

Go Josh!

Go Phoenix!

Go Tariq!

Wow! Not bad...for a fat girl.

Better than you, cupcake.

Come on, boys, really push it, you're nearly there.

Right, come on, let's cheer them on!

Five, six, seven, eight.

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

LAUGHTER

Ten seconds left.

One last push. Come on!

Five, four, three, two, one...

ALL CHEER

The moment of truth...

32.3.

31.6.

That's still not enough.

Check that out!

18 dead!

Just over 80.

We've smashed it!

ALL CHEER

Looks like you'll get your kayaking gear after all.

You better not forget about us when you're picking up the gold...

Yeah, right...

Look, guys, thanks.

I really couldn't have done it without you.

Couldn't have done it without Sally though, eh? Hip hip!

Hooray.

I swear my man still thinks he's in Hogwarts.

-Sorry to break up the party.

-They've done it. Brilliant effort.

-How much have you all raised?

-Miss Donnegan...

-About a grand, I reckon.

-And the rest. The bucket's heaving.

-That's good.

-Cos the money's going to go towards the new boiler.

-What?

Someone at the school started that fire,

the whole place could have gone up.

So unless the guilty party owns up to it, you'll all have to pay.

That's not fair!

So sue me. I am not your free ride.

I want that sponsorship money on Mr Byrne's desk by the end of the week.

Carry on.

Same again.

Gerard.

What you doing with her?

Charming.

Miss Diamond here tells me

you've got into a spot of bother with Mikey.

Well, you know what he's like.

What did you do to your arm?

Elbow. Sprained it. He's a...

Aye. Thought so. Not a peep out you.

Game's up, Gerard.

The whole thing's a con.

He still put you into a coma, didn't he?

That's between me and him so you do me a favour - back off my son.

It's out of my hands. The parents are up in arms.

Speak to them, not me.

Can I get you one?

You were always a prat.

Take care of yourself, Billy.

I tried.

So that's it?

Michael wouldn't want me to get involved.

You're both as stubborn as each other, you know that, don't you?

Some things aren't easy to forget.

Maybe you just need to be the bigger man.

And if you guys want to use the gym at the health club, let me know.

Get you in at a discount.

Haven't you got somewhere to be?

Not really. We're just hanging out.

Well, thanks for everything. See you around.

Can't you take a hint?

Imogen!

You OK?

It's all right. I know when I'm not wanted.

Don't take it personally. They're all a bit cliquey anyway.

I was talking about Imogen. She thinks I show her up.

It's not embarrassment, Sally. It's jealousy.

What?

Look at you. You could be mistaken for her sister.

Leave it out.

So how about that drink then?

Look, Angus, you're a lovely lad but...

well, thing is, it's Imogen's birthday...

Oh, are you going to this party as well then?

She's having a party?

Why didn't she tell me?

At that age, isn't she? Like to do their own thing.

You should really think about yourself for a change.

Text me your number.

Where have you been?

Mum needed me, sir.

Take a seat.

50, 60...

Rhiannon. D'you mind? We're trying to watch a film.

But Miss Donnegan wants it bagged by tomorrow morning.

Well, it'll have to wait until after the bell.

-Are you OK?

-Yeah. Just watching the film.

I thought you were only kidding about drinking.

Who cares, eh?

Connor, will you stop messing about and concentrate.

What's wrong with you?

I think he might be coming down with something.

Headmaster's office. Now.

-Look at this before you make up your mind.

-You again, Gerard.

Yeah, I wanted to catch the parents at home time.

Just to remind them they're welcome back to Havelock if they so wish.

I can assure you that I pose absolutely no threat

-to your children.

-So what's this? A fashion accessory?

If you're so adamant that I attacked you,

-then why didn't you go to the police?

-What's the point?

You'll just wriggle off the hook like you did the last time.

All right, Mikey.

Gerard Findlay's a fraud. There's nothing wrong with his arm...

I have a slight sprain. The doctor said I should wear this

-as a precaution.

-The barman told me

he hit his head on a table trying to swing for my son.

Doesn't change the fact he nearly killed you though, does it?

Once a thug, always a thug.

My name's William Byrne.

I'm Michael's father.

It's true he put me in hospital, but that was a long time ago.

I was in intensive care for three days.

I deserved every punch and every kick.

I don't know about you, but I reckon you reap what you sow.

An eye for an eye, that's what you get.

It's what you get for being a wife beater.

I never pressed charges cos I knew my family

had suffered enough already.

He's still got a violent streak as wide as the M8.

I'd quit while I was ahead if I were you.

I don't need his help.

Who's the bigger man now?

Imogen, Imogen!

Imogen!

Why aren't you wearing your hearing aids?

I don't need them. I like the solitude.

I'm fine with being deaf.

What do all your friends think about it?

If you're so cool with it, why are you hiding it from them?

What is it with you and this place? Can't you keep away?

-I only came back to offer you a lift.

-No thanks.

-I thought I could help you get ready for tonight.

-Why?

You want to look nice, don't you? I could at least do your hair

or something. Spend a bit of girly time together.

Will you stop crowding me?!

Hi, it's me.

Do you still fancy that drink?

Come in.

Christine, have a seat.

Thank you.

-Well, it looks like Connor may have been drinking.

-What?

A bottle of vodka. In class.

I should've er... I should've said something before

but I took Audrey's advice...

Audrey?

We found another bottle of vodka in my classroom.

Connor admitted it was his for some party.

Audrey thought we should deal with it ourselves, but...

Well, obviously that hasn't worked.

I've tried reasoning with him, but he won't listen.

He's such a big lad, he....

Does he hit you?

No.

But he scares me.

Imagine that.

Scared of your own son.

In you come.

Your mother's been telling me what's happening.

How long have you been drinking?

Is that what she told you?

Well?

-I bought it for a party tonight.

-What party?

Round at the school house. Imogen's birthday.

I drew the short straw to go and get it.

Right, I'll need the address of the off-licence.

I don't remember. All offies look the same to me.

You're in detention for the rest of the week.

And in the meantime, get yourself home and sober up a little bit.

And you can forget about the party. You're grounded until further notice.

Can I go now?

I am so sorry.

I just really don't know what to do with him, Michael.

Cheers, boys. The door's open round the side.

Well, you changed your mind.

Yeah, maybe I was a bit rash. My way of an apology.

-What, to the students or to me?

-Take your pick.

And there are six?

Yeah, after-school kayaking club.

-I reckon Tariq's going to need some company.

-Yeah and I reckon

the kids money went a lot further than we thought.

I might have topped it up a bit.

I don't get you. You won't pay for a boiler, and then you splurge...

Kayaks are fun! Now listen, I've booked the table for dinner.

Sian, you coming?

Erm...

I think I might give it a miss tonight.

See you later.

Michael...

Don't you think you at least owe your dad a thank you?

I don't owe him anything.

-There you go, birthday girl.

-Thanks.

Come on everybody. Dig in.

Did you make them?

Dry run for the wedding.

Right, this is your lot. It's all we've got in the freezer.

Aw sorry. I didn't realise I'd asked so many people.

Still no sign?

You going to have a stag do, Mr B?

-At least you know where to find your stripper.

-You better not.

Fear not, the night before my nuptials shall be a sedate affair.

Going to save all your energy for the big night, eh, sir?

Somebody get me a sick bucket.

I thought you weren't coming.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

You've sobered up then?

Yeah.

Aww... They're obviously in love.

It's so sweet.

Old people having sex. Should be a law against it.

Doesn't seem to bother Gus.

Where is he, anyway?

CLEARS THROAT

What?

She's always on at me.

I wasn't the one who walked out on us for someone else.

That didn't touch the sides.

What do you think? Do you think she's jealous?

I dunno. I'd love a mum like you.

All I want is for us to be friends. Is that so much to ask? Is it?

I mean...

Do I seem like a bad person to you?

I think you're lovely.

Your round.

You realise I'll be the laughing stock.

Anyone who laughs will have to deal with me.

You're so sweet...

But?

I hear a "but" coming.

No, it's just...

What? What is it?

Hit the lights.

I'm sorry it's not the full monty

but it's the best I could do in the circumstances...

Blow it out!

Only if you promise not to sing happy birthday.

ALL CHEER

-Did you make a wish?

-Yeah.

What was it?

If I tell you, it won't come true.

WOLF WHISTLE

Where's the birthday girl then?

Get off!

And who's this?

My mum.

I'll get a corkscrew.

You got a corkscrew?

-Over there.

-Thanks.

She wanted to pop in.

Ker-ching!

The night ain't over yet.

Hey, Mrs Stewart.

Connor, isn't it?

I don't mean to be rude but would you mind leaving?

Imogen doesn't want you here.

She won't even talk to me now?

My own daughter?

What's your problem? She's not doing any harm.

It's Imogen's party.

And she's with me. So back off.

Thanks.

Don't worry about it.

You're so sweet...

You don't deserve to be spoken to like that.

Now where's that drink...?

I'll be back in a sec.

Can I use your room?

My room? In my bed?

Get lost.

Upstairs, to the right, it's the one right in front of you, OK?

Where were we?

Can't you see? Imogen doesn't want her here.

Imogen, is that true?

OK.

Grantly, you need to get the lady in red to leave.

Why me?

It's bad enough having to wait on them hand, foot and finger.

Can't you see the poor lass is upset?

Not that one.

Bingo.

Your mum gate crashing your own party? Well embarrassing.

Imogen should have invited her.

The Bible says we must respect our elders.

Do you always do what your mum says?

Of course.

That's what I make her believe anyway.

So what's she like then?

Strict. Funny. Always laughing.

Even when things aren't funny.

Especially when things are not funny.

What do you mean?

She makes good out of bad situations.

I love her very much.

Did I mention strict?

That bad?

I've got something of yours.

My French homework?

What do I get in return?

That's not very charitable.

Charity is for those who deserve it.

I haven't got any money.

I don't want money.

What do you want then?

A cultural attache.

What's one of those when they're at home?

Someone who can teach me about the British culture.

TV, Music, Fashion.

You want me to teach you about fashion?

On second thoughts, two out of the three isn't bad.

Eiffel Tower!

You can relax now. The main thing is she's gone.

I suppose.

So what were you going to tell me earlier?

Do you really like me?

I mean you're not just saying it...?

You're amazing.

I feel like I can be myself around you.

No lies. No secrets.

Look, if you're not interested, just say...

-SHE MOUTHS:

-I'm deaf.

Deaf?

Does it matter?

Slow down. It's not a race...

You're just so fit, that's all.

You've got an amazing body.

PHONE RINGS

It's for you.

Hello?

Mrs Mulgrew....

Has he now?

Do you want another drink?

You're fine where you are.

You. Home now.

Why, what's he done?

Well, he's supposed to be grounded.

Are you trying to get me into trouble?

See you tomorrow, then.

-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?

-Guess that's that tenner gone then.

-What?!

Wait...

there's something digging into my back.

Oh, it's Phoenix's alarm clock.

MUSICAL ALARM PLAYS

You're such a slag!

-Ow!!

-How could you do this to me?

-That's enough, you two.

-What do you think you're doing? He's a kid!

He's 18. It was just a bit of fun...

He had a bet on. Bet his mates he could go all the way. Sex for money.

Do you know what that makes you?

On your own?

Come in.

HE COUGHS

I've come to apologise.

I thought Michael would be a little more gracious.

Don't worry about it. I didn't get my hopes up.

HE COUGHS

-Can I get you a dram?

-No thank you, I'm driving.

Never mind then.

-COUGHING:

-I don't get many visitors.

-Certainly none as pretty as you.

-I'm sorry, I...

I really thought he'd change his mind.

-COUGHING:

-I hope Mikey realises... what a good friend you are to him.

Are you OK?

HE COUGHS AND CHOKES

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

-I just want...

-What?

To keep you safe.

-Be there for you.

-Not this again.

I had meningitis as a kid. She totally missed the signs.

-It was my fault.

-It happened. It's done, I'm fine.

It doesn't mean you have to keep looking over my shoulder

-every five minutes.

-All I want is to be part of your life.

No, you don't.

You want my life but you've had your turn.

If you two promise not to kill each other, I'll be downstairs.

So I'm consigned to the scrap heap, am I?

I've given birth to you, served my purpose? Game over.

Your dad's already traded me in for a younger model.

He left us four years ago, Mum. Four years. What do I get?

Four years of you breathing down my neck,

constantly looking over my shoulder.

It's like living with two shadows.

I can't take it any more.

-I only try to do what's best for you.

-What?

Hiding my deafness like some dirty little secret?

But people treat you differently when...

When you're disabled.

That's nothing to do with it.

You're ashamed because you think it was your fault.

You make me feel ashamed. I'm not having it any more.

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry.

-Let's just go.

-Here's to no more nasty surprises.

-I'll second that.

A toast - to the victor, the spoils.

I spoke too soon.

That's OK, I invited him.

Well, this is cosy.

-Mr Findlay.

-Sit down.

-Have a glass of wine.

-I'll not be staying long.

Look, this doesn't need to be a war.

Don't you think it's time we worked together?

Joint drama productions, debating competitions, sports, you name it.

You're unbelievable.

The offer's on the table.

Yeah, I'll think about it.

-You are such a soft touch.

-Hmm, says she! How many canoes did you buy?

-Fancy another?

-No, better not.

I think I'll head back to the office,

start laying out some ideas for Findlay to look at.

-Now?

-Yeah. No time like the present.

-Do you ever switch off?

-Do you?

What part of grounded don't you understand?

I'd be very careful if I were you.

Wouldn't want Mr Byrne finding out your secret, would you?

SHE LAUGHS As if he'd listen to a word you say.

Turns out you did me a massive favour today.

He thinks you're nothing but trouble.

Good going, son.

Cheers.

-Liberty.

-Hi, Gus.

You here for the competition?

You have crushed that girl's self-esteem.

You're trying to settle some old score

because I didn't want you teaching at my school. Well, I'm warning you!

Stay out of my face or I will make your life a living hell.

AIR HORN BLARES

Please.

-Please stay.

-I'm not saying we can't do it again.

Just...

I've got to be somewhere.

If he has touched so much as a hair on her head...

Please, let me go.

You're to call the paper and tell them you were wrong!

Mum!

Subtitles by Red Bee Ltd