Episode 6 Waterloo Road

-You might have to hand over Janeece for the day.

-Might I?

I want to see Michael before I die.

I'm sure he will come when he knows how serious your situation is.

But I want to make peace. I don't want his pity.

I am fine, Connor.

That's why I've booked you a doctors' appointment.

We'd be delighted to accommodate you here at Waterloo Road?

I was only trying to prove myself to Miss Donnegan.

I swear on my life, it'll never happen again.

Mummy, look at this.

Cheryl, Mummy's on the phone.

Come on, Chalky, pick up!

MUSIC SYSTEM BLASTS "Sweet home Alabama"

(BARELY AUDIBLY) PHONE RINGS

Chalky!

Chalky!

Now, don't move off that sofa until Chalky gets here, OK, hun?

-I reckon there's about 12 of them, in total.

-Sorry! It's just...

I've never done anything like this before.

I don't want to let you down.

You're joking? Compared to your real job, this is going to be a breeze.

I've seen the way you run that school. I know Michael thinks he's in charge,

-but you're the one who gets her hands dirty.

-You think?

Definitely. But if you don't get out your comfort zone,

how are you ever going to move on?

-Unless you want to be a school seccy the rest of your life.

-No way!

I really appreciate you doing this for me at the last minute.

-I hope childcare wasn't a problem.

-That's what Chalkys are for, innit!

Good. You ready? Come on, then.

-My hand hurts!

-Cheryl?

Someone's peed in my bed.

Ah, it's all right.

Don't worry about it.

-It's minging!

-It's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Are you not hearing me? I never wet my bed.

-Rhiannon!

-That's just plain daft, now, that is.

I mean, I know you two don't get on,

but she's been making a real effort.

It's probably just a bladder infection.

Here, drink plenty of water today,

and we'll get you to the GP as soon as.

We can't have you disappearing to the lav during my wedding vows, can we?

-But, I didn't do it.

-Morning.

You've not seen Mr Budgen anywhere, have you?

I have found the best white tuxedo on the internet.

He'll look the spit of Sean Connery.

What?

Heard about your little accident.

-Hope Miss C's not been too hard on you.

-How do you know?

If you need a hand later with that dirty laundry, Miss...

You're all right. I'll manage.

And I think we're all clear on that last one, so, thank you very much.

-See you soon.

-Cheers.

See, what did I tell you? You were fabulous!

Thanks. Didn't know that being a PA would be so interesting!

Glad you think so.

Cos I've struggled to find a decent PA,

someone who's not just using the job

-as a springboard to management.

-Really?

Way things are going, there are going to be more events

and overseas travel than my secretaries can handle.

-Sounds wicked.

-I'm always on the look-out for the right person. Have a think about it, will you?

I so will! Cheers.

How many units of alcohol do you drink in a week?

15, maybe 20.

Want to tell me the truth now?

It's hard to say. I mean, the size of wine glasses in pubs these days.

I think we're looking at a figure closer to 100 or more.

Don't be ridiculous.

Miss Mulgrew, you have to face facts.

Drinking is making you extremely sick.

Well, it can't be. I don't drink any more than anyone else I know.

So, what else do you suggest is causing your stomach pain,

-itching, swollen legs, fainting episodes?

-Stress.

I'm a single mother with a demanding job,

but what would you know about being a working mum?

-Miss Mulgrew...

-We are finished here.

Before you leave, could I ask you to take a look at these.

They're your liver function test results.

Are you sure that's right? That...

It's 15 times what it should be.

We can repeat them if you want.

But they only confirm my diagnosis.

-Cirrhosis?

-Alcoholic hepatitis.

Am I going to die?

Not if you stop drinking.

You should've waited. I'd have given you a lift.

I needed some air.

-So, what did you think of my proposal, then?

-It was all right.

I'm discussing it with Michael in a minute. Any thoughts?

You haven't read it, have you?

How am I supposed know? I'm not a teaching expert.

Fine.

Listen, I might be late home tonight.

There's a gig that me and some mates are going to...

-What mates?

-Just mates.

Thought we were watching the game, getting a takeaway, aren't we?

Fine.

I need to copy these and she's changed the code again.

Does anyone happen to know

where she keeps the key for the stationery cupboard?

Great. I'm supposed to be discussing this with Michael in five minutes.

-Post is in.

-How is the groom-to-be?

Let's just say that Margaret's interpretation of "low key"

exists in a parallel universe to mine.

It's a sad state of affairs when you're the only one of us in a serious relationship.

Jealous, are we, that I've stolen your crown as resident Romeo?

You're welcome to it, mate. I'm done with all that.

I'm keeping my life nice and simple from now on.

Oh! Don't remember receiving my invitation to this party.

We're waiting for Janeece.

What is she playing at?

I assume, as this was still on her desk,

you haven't had a chance to look through my new module ideas.

No, I'm afraid not, no.

Well, I've got a free period,

we could have a chat in half an hour or so?

I can't, Tom. I've got an anti-bullying charity coming in

and God knows how I'll find the brochure underneath all of this.

It's the syllabus deadline tomorrow.

Look, I'll have a read of it before lunchtime and catch up with you then.

-I promise. Is that OK?

-If it's not too much trouble.

-Everything all right?

-What does it look like?

I was just wondering if you had a chance to visit your father yet?

I think you already know the answer to that question.

It's been years, Michael. You're both different people now.

He's got to you, hasn't he?

He's an old man.

Sian, he's a bully.

And a good one. So, just leave it.

I knew it were you.

Well, aren't you the Sherlock Holmes.

What kind of disgusting psycho pees in someone else's bed? It's crazy.

So no-one's going to believe you if you tell them. All right, Phoenix?

Mum!

-Mum!

-Are you trying to give me a heart-attack?

Sorry. What did the doctor say?

Everything's fine.

I'm not stupid.

All right, stop your nagging.

Fine... I do have something.

It's called alcoholic hepatitis.

You need to stop drinking. I know all about that...

Know? How could you possibly know?

Just tell me what you need.

No-one must find out. I mean it.

If I lose this job, that's it for us, Connor. Promise me.

Course...

But shouldn't you be at home though?

Won't you get withdrawal symptoms?

I can handle it.

Doctor Lee, senior registrar.

Daniel Chalk.

You brought Cheryl in today?

-So, what happened?

-She burned her hand on some hair tongs.

I wasn't actually there at the time...

-Was your wife?

-No, no.

Janeece, Miss Bryant, Cheryl's mum...

we're not... we're not married.

You live together?

No, in the same building, different flats.

-That's why I didn't see the note at first.

-Note?

Yeah, it's all my fault, really.

I should've heard her knocking, but I had the music cranked up to 11.

She wanted me to drop Cheryl off at the child-minder's.

Miss Bryant, she had an urgent call.

The child was home alone?

No...

Well, yes, but nowhere near as long as the last time,

-could only have been a couple of minutes.

-So, this isn't the first time it's happened?

This is coming out all wrong.

Janeece, she's a great mum, you'll see when you meet her.

I can't get in touch with her. I can't get a signal in here.

-Do you think she'll be able to get in this morning?

-Definitely, yeah.

If you let a nurse know when she arrives, I can sort out a time for Social Services to interview her.

-Something stinks. Can you smell it?

-No.

-It's like toilets. Stale toilets.

Oh, yeah. Sorry, Scout.

THEY LAUGH

Where's Mr Chalk?

SHE WHISTLES

I said, where's Mr Chalk?

He's not here.

What d'you mean he's not here?

He's popped out or he's-not-here, he's not here?

Miss Bryant! Where have you been?

And where is Mr Chalk?

Right, I'll meet you back down at the office, thank you.

The rest of you sit back down, please.

I'll be sending up some cover in a minute, so don't get excited.

And then suddenly the fire alarm started going off.

So everyone started legging it to the car park, pyjamas and everything,

-and then, I left my keys in the flat.

-And Daniel?

The same.

Right, so both you and Daniel locked yourselves outside your flats?

Nightmare. And then we had to wait for hours for the fire brigade to break back in for us.

Why didn't you call?

Because I dropped my phone and the fire engine ran over it,

and then it got smashed to pieces...

Look, Lorraine asked me to do a job

and Chalky said that he was going to drop Cheryl off,

and he didn't turn up and he's not got in touch and I'm dead worried.

Lorraine should've known that you needed to be here.

It won't happen again.

You're absolutely right. Have you any idea how serious this is?

I can't run a school like this.

No more disappearing acts, Janeece. Consider this an official warning.

-What?!

-This office is the beating heart of Waterloo Road.

I need you totally committed.

And I am.

PHONE RINGS

-And no more personal calls!

-Fine.

PHONE BEEPS

I'm sorry.

Janeece. JANEECE!

I'm thinking of doing a running buffet

but I reckon a sit-down's much more classier, don't you think?

Anyway, I'm going to try a French fish soup this lunchtime,

see what this lot make of it.

I...

That was my birthday present off Grantly.

It wasn't me!

Scout, I don't know what to say to you.

How long are you going to keep this up for?

Till everyone sees you for the cow you really are.

BELL RINGS

How come I can't see her now?

I've told you, she's in the loo with one of the nurses.

I feel sick.

The worst has happened. We just got to get her better.

Why did I go to Lorraine's stupid meeting? I'm such an idiot.

No you're not.

Janeece, there's something I got to tell you...

PHONE BEEPS

This is Michael.

Don't worry. I'll be here as long as you need me.

No, go.

You sure?

I don't want you to but you've done more than enough for us today.

Janeece...

My baby!

SHE CRIES

Come to Mummy. Look - we'll be fine. Just go.

Blanche Dubois does not want to live in the real world,

so she invents a...fantasy one.

Sorry, where was I?

Fantasy world.

Do you think this has anything to do with her downfall?

Yeah. She's her own worst enemy. She can't handle who she really is.

Is it hot in here?

No.

It is. It's very hot.

Blanche is in denial and...

Someone open a window, please.

And she will do anything to keep herself

in her safe, make-believe world.

Is that why she's always knocking back the booze then, Miss?

THEY LAUGH

What is up with her? She's lost it!

-Enough!

-Chillax, will you!

-Miss, you nearly hit her!

20 years I've been teaching that.

It's time for a change.

No way. We've done a ton of work on it already!

I am in charge here, you little creep!

-You can't talk to him like that.

-What about this coursework?

-WHISPERING:

-Oh, God, help me, help me...

So, the past two months have been a complete waste?

I'm off to tell Mr Clarkson about this.

Shut...your...face!

MISS!

-Are you all right?

-I am. But I don't think she is.

For God's sake. Scout!

-What?

-Why did you...?

I never! I swear!

It's all ruined. My work... my diary...

Where's Mrs Mulgrew? What in the world is going on here?

Look what Scout did.

Little...

Stop that, this minute.

You! Make your way to the cooler, now!

-This is all you!

-She keeps doing this. Making up stories about me.

-Why can't any of you see she's twisting things?

-I'm not!

Tell her, you smashed her perfume!

No way! You know I'm allergic to perfume!

This blaming Rhiannon has got to stop!

I'm sick of this! And I'm sick of you lot.

I'm going to get proof. And then you're going to be the sorry one.

Miss Bryant... Where are you going?

I'm going home. The nurse said when Cheryl comes back, we can go.

-Didn't Mr Chalk tell you?

-Tell me what?

We've had to report your daughter's injury to Social Services.

What does that mean?

We can't discharge her until you've spoken to a social worker.

Well, what's Chalky said?

I'm sure the social worker will be able to answer all your questions.

What you did was completely irresponsible.

I had no choice. Put yourself in my shoes, what would you do?

I'd have notified my employer, for a start.

I tried to call you, of course I did. I couldn't get a signal.

The point is, you're not even the child's father.

Your duty is to the student population here.

Could you keep it down, please? The whole school can hear you.

This about you being late?

I was at the A&E with Cheryl.

She was left in the house, on her own and she hurt herself.

Where was Janeece?

At some meeting with Lorraine, apparently.

Well, that's totally out of order. You should have a word with her.

-I will an' all.

-You won't have to. Social Services are taking care of it.

Social Services? You've not dropped her in it, have you?

No. I'm taking care of it.

Good. The last thing Janeece needs is the Social sniffing around.

Don't take any notice of him. You did the right thing.

Look... I don't know what department.

Child Welfare, Child Protection, whoever takes care of hospitals.

I need to talk to someone urgently.

-There's been a serious misunderstanding here.

-There you are!

I heard about your perfume.

Yeah, I didn't think Scout had it in her to be so nasty.

Why would she do such a thing?

Don't waste your time pondering the unanswerable.

I could always show you this instead.

I saw it and I thought, that is my Grantly.

Then it came to me, right?

James Bond-themed wedding,

you - Bond, obviously, me - Pussy Galore,

Michael - Goldfinger,

Chalky - Jaws!

Right. That's it.

One more word about tuxedos, flowers,

or chocolates in the shape of a giant panda

from the foothills of the Himalayas,

I'll be a lot more than shaken and stirred!

It was just an idea.

Consider it binned.

Jitters.

Hello. There must be somebody I could talk to.

-No!

-I wasn't going to drink it.

Is this your idea of helping? Cos the only thing you're helping me do is want to drink.

-And when I do, it'll be your fault!

-Mum...

Stop going on! I've had enough of it today.

Why? What's happened?

What does this mean?

-Get off me!

-What did you do to my mum?

-Nothing.

Yeah, not what I heard!

She attacked me. She's a total nutjob, just like you.

Connor. Let him go! It wasn't his fault.

Your mum, she's in a bad way.

She was totally out of it. I even saw her asking for help.

Asking who?

It looked like she was praying.

You know I'm here for you, if you need me.

What's up with your mum? It's bad, isn't it?

I'm managing just fine.

PHONE RINGS

Do you feel as if you're spending enough time with your daughter?

Course.

She does seem to be in other people's care a lot of the time.

As her mother, do you feel you could make more time?

What?

That word, "mother".

A mother's middle-aged, dresses boring and fancies Jason Donovan.

Me and Cheryl, we're more like best mates.

PHONE RINGS

We're concerned that Cheryl's needs aren't being met.

I know things aren't perfect, but I've been offered an amazing job.

Have you heard of Lorraine Donnegan?

Well, I'm going to have plenty of money coming in,

to set up for Cheryl's future.

PHONE RINGS

Take the call if you want.

It's "right now" you need to focus on, rather than the future.

And we can help by paying regular visits to your home

and working with you on everything from night-time routines

to dietary plans...

Are you going to take my baby away from me?

We're going to be keeping a very close eye on Cheryl,

making sure she gets all the care and attention from you

that she needs.

Sorry, I didn't look at this until now.

-It's been a bit of a morning.

-So I gather.

Don't you think you were a little bit hard on Chalky earlier?

Well, I think he's got his priorities wrong.

In fact, same thing could be said about your proposal, if I'm honest.

Media literacy is important.

Well, if we combine different media forms, like reality TV

and adverts, it will make their lessons more relevant.

Don't you think they're bombarded with that kind of stuff already?

So, you think we should just ignore the outside world?

No, I think Shakespeare and Wordsworth can provide GCSE students with all the literacy they need.

-I'm not saying that we can't have both.

-Tom, you're not convincing me.

Sorry, can I interrupt? Michael, I'm aware you've plenty on your plate at the moment,

but earlier this morning, I discovered Christine's Year 12 class sans teacher.

To say it was pandemonium would be an understatement.

What is going on?

Teachers dropping like flies!

I told you to work on in pairs.

Keep the chat down.

An A? I can't believe it.

It's those extra classes, they really helped. Thanks.

Mr Chalk?

Sorry, we were... Where were we?

I was thanking you. For this.

You deserved it. You worked hard.

Is it Janeece?

How do you know?

The whole school can see she's got you running around like a lapdog.

-Sorry.

-I'm exhausted just thinking about today,

let alone years of Janeece-related drama.

Yeah, I think my dad thinks the same about me.

Don't think he'll ever let me move out, so he can keep an eye on me.

It's sounds daft, but it's like, ever since he's been on his own,

it's like he sort of uses me as some sort of relationship substitute.

Don't get me wrong, I love chilling with him, it's just sometimes we're like an old married couple.

Have you told him?

Don't want to upset him.

It might upset him at first.

But once the truth's out, you can start to fix things.

What are you worried about, then?

Abandoning your class mid-lesson,

public meltdowns, allegations of assault.

Something to do with Phoenix Taylor?

It's all been a big misunderstanding.

I wanted to take the heat out of the situation.

You see, Phoenix has been making...

..advances towards me.

What?! Well, then we should get him up here right away.

Let's not be hasty,

everything's under control.

I mean, I've been round the block a few times

and this isn't the first time I've seen something like this.

I find it's normally boys lacking in a father figure.

But you needn't worry, I can handle it.

Well, if it does happen again, make sure you come to me.

Believe me, it won't.

Therefore, the line AB has the equation

3x plus 2y equals 7.

This is impossible!

I run an extra class on a Friday afternoon after school,

-if you're interested. You're all welcome.

-Sweet.

Count me in.

Wait, I can't.

-Why?

-Just forget it, yeah?

So, Mads. Looking fine today.

So, listen, I've a couple of tickets for a gig tonight. You interested?

I'd love to...

All right.

..if I was desperate to hang out with a brainless ape child.

THEY LAUGH

Get on with your work, please.

BELL RINGS

Quiet on your way out. I'll see you tomorrow.

How could you do this to me? How could you betray me?

-Not in front of the kids.

-You're my best friend!

I didn't betray you. They asked me questions, I couldn't lie.

Why not?

Why should I? I'm sick of lying for you.

I'm sick of being a 24-hour baby-dumping service!

I'm sick of watching you neglect Cheryl.

You're just like the rest of them. You think I'm a bimbo who can't do right by my girl.

Well, do you know what?

Lorraine saw my potential and she's offered me a job.

For once in your life, can't you see? It's not about you.

It's about Cheryl.

You are so... You're so selfish.

Excuse me! I'm selfish?!

You're the one that's been using us,

because you're a sad, lonely old man, who'll never amount to anything,

and never have a family of his own!

I wouldn't want to be part of your family anyway.

All right, everyone. Show's over.

Taken care of it, have you?

Dad.

What's going on?

He shouldn't have done that to Janeece.

What, so he should have lied?

Yes...No.

Cos that's what you do with everything, innit?

Just lie to yourself, everything's fine,

just expect all your problems will magically disappear.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means I don't want to hang with you all the time.

I know you're lonely, but it's too much for me.

I need my own life too.

I'm not your partner, I'm your son.

Do you want some ice with that mood today?

-What's your problem?

-What is it with you?

-Always wanting to know what a man's thinking.

-Get over yourself.

I'm not the one with a problem here.

Forget it. I can't be doing with games.

THEY GIGGLE

Why aren't you sitting there?

Cos I know what you're going through.

You can't say she doesn't deserve it.

Of course she doesn't!

We are talking about the same Janeece?

The mother who concealed her child's chicken pox rash with makeup

so as not to be inconvenienced?

Shall I leave, shall I?

Wouldn't want to spoil a good gossip.

I was just saying I think you're right.

I didn't do anything apart from tell the doctor what happened.

You did the right thing, Daniel. This is not your fault.

This is none of our business.

It is, as a matter of fact. We're her friends.

It's our job, not the Social's, to help her out.

Really? So what have you done?

What have you been doing in the way of Good Samaritan?

What have any of you done?

I'm the one that looks after Cheryl. I'm the one that knows her.

She's not a happy kid.

I tried telling Janeece 1,000 times, but she doesn't want to hear it!

You wouldn't understand, Chalky. You've no family of your own.

You've no idea what she's going through.

I do. And I'm going to prove it.

I'll prove you wrong.

Are you sure that's Rhiannon's?

Shhh. I need to listen for the click...

-CLICK

-And we're in.

Nice one! What are we looking for?

Yes, Scout, what are you looking for?

If it's a long suspension, I think Mr Byrne would agree with me,

-you've just found one.

-What do you think I'm doing?

Do you think I want to touch that cow's stuff?

I can't believe that I was feeling sorry for you.

I came out here, you know, to make amends.

This is just beyond me.

You know what? I don't care any more, because I know I'm right.

Scout!

Whatever.

HE COUGHS

I'm sorry you didn't like my soup.

Home-made minestrone?

You kidding? Just lost my appetite.

-Bring me some more next week, you'll see.

-We both know I can't keep sneaking round like this.

Michael needs to know. And he doesn't need to hear it from me.

No progress, then?

No, you have to tell him.

-No!

-This isn't fair.

I told you, I won't have his pity.

Can you not see how ridiculous this is? Michael is your son.

I've lived alone all these years. I'm sure I can manage to die alone.

Rhiannon, how could you?

This was in your locker!

Because she planted it in there!

-I don't believe you.

-You're lying!

Show her your hands.

-What?

-You heard. Show her.

No way.

-That'll be your perfume allergy, then.

-No!

Scout, I'm so sorry.

Never in my life have I come across such mean, spiteful,

atrocious behaviour...

I think maybe you should both me in there, in a minute.

-Please?

-You heard him. Move!

Fat cow! THEY LAUGH

That's right!

Fatty, ginger...

..moose...

..minger...

That's funny, innit?

Slag, skank.

These are words that have been around for years.

In the corner of the class room,

the top deck of school buses.

But just recently, bullying's come out of the shadows.

Bullying has turned pro.

The internet, television, and your newspapers.

All of a sudden, everyone,

everywhere, is trading on hating and bitching.

In fact we've got so used to it, we don't even know that we're doing it.

Now, no matter what you call them, it's still bullying.

So, today, I'm going to offer you all a bullying amnesty.

If you are bullying someone, this is your chance to stop it

and offer an apology.

And if you think that you are being bullied,

there's even the potential here to forgive.

Janeece.

Janeece. Look, I know you think I messed up...

I'm not listening!

Believe me, I'm not feeling particularly warm and fuzzy towards you either, right now.

A lot of stuff's been said, a lot of bad stuff.

We've got to work through that.

Look, if you're going to take this job with Lorraine...

Why don't you and Cheryl move into my spare room,

just till you get yourself, you know.

I'm not like those other men in your life, Janeece.

I'm not using you.

I'm your friend.

Good friends.

I don't think so.

Not after everything that happened today. I'm sorry.

You been avoiding my calls?

-No.

-Right, well, we've things to discuss.

Lorraine. How about I'm busy?

-Later?

-No, I don't think so.

In fact, this whole day has turned into total chaos

since you decided to steal my secretary again!

I pay her wages.

And I run the school.

-OK, pop by my office in a few minutes, right?

-Right.

So, a bullying amnesty.

-Forgiveness.

-Absolutely.

Shame you can't apply that to you and your father.

PHONE RINGS

Look at the state of this place!

-Are you completely incompetent today?

-Oh. I've had it up to here with you, Mr Byrne.

You're bossy, you never laugh,

and don't you just love the sound of your own voice going on and on?

Janeece?

Do you know what?

You can take your stupid job and you can shove it.

Don't feel sorry for me cos I'm going to go and work for someone who actually appreciates me.

Lorraine!

Phoenix, there you are.

Have you got time for a quick word?

I've got nothing to say to you.

I just want to apologise for my behaviour before.

I was out of line, I admit it.

You lot are always going on about manners and stuff, but you're just a hypocrite.

You're absolutely right.

The problem is, I don't think you understand what an immensely powerful,

-physical presence you have.

-Eh?

A few years ago, I was attacked...in class.

And when I saw you, standing there like that...

..I think my reaction today was more about him, and not you.

But I would never try to...

No, I know, I know. Of course not.

Phoenix, I am sorry.

If you want to take this further, then I understand.

You must do what you think is best.

It's all right, Miss.

Thank you, Phoenix.

Is he free yet?

Two secs.

Oh, actually,

I've got this lunch meeting I need to sort out for tomorrow. You all right to help me out again?

-Yeah, definitely.

-Great.

Lorraine...

..you know this PA job?

-Well, I've decided.

-Great. Just email me their details.

I've decided that, well,

I'll do it. I'd love to be your PA.

Janeece, I'm sorry, but I didn't mean you.

I was asking you for suggestions.

The type of PA I'm looking for would need to be a researcher,

write reports, deputize for me, manage budgets.

-Have you ever managed a corporate budget before?

-No.

And can you speak any foreign languages?

No.

Janeece I think you need to be honest with yourself,

know your limitations. You're a fantastic girl.

But, in my experience, there's no point wasting your life

trying to be something you're not.

All right?

If you want a copy of past papers, see me at the end of the lesson.

Sir, please can I go to the toilet?

Lunch break finished not half an hour ago.

-You've had plenty of chance

-Sir. But it's really urgent.

-I'm feeling sick.

-Me too.

-Bunch of incontinent infants...

-Not you too?

I can't get sick like that!

I don't care about me. But what about the baby?

Perhaps you should alert Mr Byrne.

HE PASSES WIND

Will you excuse me...

Janeece?

Well done, Chalky. Ten out of ten. You was right.

I'm an idiot.

I didn't say that.

Lorraine's job - it never even existed.

You've still got your own job.

Not after the fight... I quit.

I've decided I've had enough.

I'm going to go stay and with me mum.

Ibiza?

For how long?

I don't know. Maybe forever.

I really think you should think about giving Janeece her job back.

You can't be serious.

I understand, but... I think maybe, you know...

There's a good reason she's been off her game today.

It's not just about today, all right? And it's nothing personal.

This is about my office ceasing to function,

which, in turn, affects the whole school.

-That's it, then?

-Yes. I'm sorry.

Look. This job, it... It means everything to her.

-Yes. And the efficient running of Waterloo Road means everything to me.

-Please...

Just give her one more chance.

I guarantee she won't let you down. I'll take full responsibility.

Sir, Mr Budgen sent me.

There's a bunch of people throwing up.

Yes. OK, I'll be there.

-All right, one more chance.

-You won't regret it.

Daniel, this might be none of my business, OK? But I think you're getting too involved.

I need to be able to rely on all of my teachers.

Well, you can. You know how dedicated I am to my job.

I think you're so wrapped up in what Janeece wants at the moment

that you've forgotten about what it is that you want.

-Look at that neat baby bump. How many weeks?

-17.

Are they giving you a hard time?

How you feeling?

Knackered. Excited. Scared.

There's going to be this little person

and it's completely up to me to look after them.

You're dead lucky, you've got Mr Chalk.

He'd do anything for you!

Not any more.

So, why did I see him shouting at Mr Byrne,

getting you your job back?

Chalky did that?

Must be so great having someone supportive.

-I wish I did.

-Thank you!

You have saved my life once again.

How many more times, Mr Chalk?

I'm glad.

I realise I was a bit hasty before, you know,

when I said about the moving in idea. A bit daft, really.

No. I think it's the best idea that you've ever had.

But, if we're going to do it, we do it properly.

None of that spare room rubbish.

I don't think you... You what?

Well, I've been dreaming about a fairy tale for years,

only it's been the wrong one.

Because...you've been there,

and I should've kissed you a long time ago.

Does that make me the frog in this scenario?

Eh?

Never mind.

Listen, you're tired. You don't know what you're saying.

It's the only thing that's made sense all day.

Chalk, who's the only person that makes me laugh?

Who's the first person that I run to when I've got some stupid gossip to tell?

And who was the first person that ever taught me how to play the air guitar?

Well, all the best relationships are built on mutual air-guitaring.

-Why do you always have to make a joke when I'm trying to be serious, Chalk?

-I wasn't joking.

See? We're like a bickering couple already, aren't we?

Come on, Chalk, Cheryl needs you.

I need you.

It is what you want, innit?

Course.

Mr Byrne, can I have a word, please?

I am so sorry.

-I think this is all my fault.

-Go on.

I tried a new recipe at lunch time -

French fish soup.

I thought the shellfish were all right, but they can't have been.

Thank you for telling me.

Oh, my God! What have I done to you?

-I can't believe this is happening!

-I know what you mean.

Right, we need to go out at the weekend and celebrate. Which club shall we go to?

-Well, we could just stay in, couldn't we? Get a takeaway, watch a bit of telly.

-Perfect.

-Hey, there's an X-Files night on one of the channels.

-It's X Factor. Bless.

I better get back to my class.

My prince.

Those who are unwell,

please stay where you are until your parents arrive.

Everybody else, make your way out of the building now!

This has got something to do with you, hasn't it? Whatever it is, you need to tell the teachers now.

Jade could get sick and all.

You as well?

It's OK, flower.

No.

I'm so sorry.

I've waited since lunchtime to hear you say that.

No. You don't understand.

The sick people -

-it's all my fault.

-Course it's not!

I did it.

I put it in the soup. And now people are going to die cos of me.

HE SIGHS

Josh! Josh, wait up!

Look, I'm not going to bother with the match tonight.

-I'll give you a lift to your gig.

-We're getting the bus.

-I'm sure I could squeeze you all in.

-There's seven of us.

-Message received.

You two made it up, then?

Yeah, thanks, Mr Chalk - for the chat.

Glad I could help.

Well, you've been busy today, sorting out everyone's kids for them.

Who me? What would I know? Eh?

Not being a parent, myself.

Chalky...

..I'm sorry - about Janeece.

I understand, you did it for Cheryl.

You are so lucky that that stuff wasn't lethal,

but... Just tell us, why.

I'll tell you what I think.

I think that you're so full of hatred and anger that you don't even know who you are any more.

I'm so sorry.

I don't expect you to forgive me. But I'll try and make it up to you.

Don't you ever come near me or my mates again.

Can you pass us that cloth, please?

Ta.

I'm sorry if I've been a nightmare.

And if you want to call the wedding off, I understand.

Only can we stay friends?

Why on Earth would I want to call it off?

-What's this?

-I was saving it.

But I think you need to open it now.

"I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

And I mean every word.

You've brought me back to life, Margaret,

made me remember a me,

a joyful me I'd forgotten existed.

You're my family now.

All I've got.

Sorry, I'm late.

You should go.

I thought you was giving me a lift.

Why don't we go home and spoil Cheryl rotten?

I meant Ibiza.

You should go to Ibiza, to your mum's.

Yeah, well I thought you hated the hot weather?

Can you honestly put your hand on your heart and say I'd make you happy?

But I love you.

That's the first time anyone's ever said that to me.

And I know that you love me, too.

Of course, I do.

Look, me and you - we're good together.

-We're going to have such a laugh...

-A laugh's not enough - for either of us.

Don't do this, please.

What am I going to do without you?

My Dad always said I was nothing, and he were right.

That's the problem with parents - think they know everything.

You going to send me back to Rochdale?

No. I'm going to let you stay,

but in addition to your suspension, there is one other condition.

I'm going to introduce you to someone I know.

She's setting up an anti-bullying website

run for teenagers by teenagers.

They're recruiting for people to work on the helpline.

Think you can handle that?

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in.

You've just got to forget about your family, Rhiannon.

Get on with your own life.

-I've tried. It doesn't work.

-Well, keep trying.

If you want to screw yourself up, that is fine. But not the kids.

What? I'm just offering advice. It's life tools.

-It worked for me.

-Your life tools have worked so well, your father will end up dying alone!

What are you talking about?

He didn't want me to tell you because he didn't want your pity.

But I see there's no chance of that.

How dare you invade my privacy like this!?

My family is nothing to do with you.

So, if you know what's good for you, you'll just back off.

Do you understand?

I'll back off, but I cannot pretend to understand you.

Your father's not the only bully in your family.

DOOR SLAMS

I'm scared.

No, you'll be grand.

I suppose I can spend more time with Cheryl, try being a great mum.

That's the most important thing, isn't it?

So, this is it, then?

Come here, you.

I'm sorry about everything I said earlier.

I didn't mean it - not all of it, anyway.

And you know if that things don't work out for you in Ibiza,

you can always come back to us.

You're part of the family.

I'm going to make you both so proud.

You still here?

Mum?

SHE SOBS

Mum!

I need to get out of here...

Why me!?

Mum, Mum! It's Connor. I'm here.

Mum...

Connor...

I love you.

Mikey.

I can't believe you're here.

Look at you!

I came here for one reason, Dad.

-To tell you to stay away from me.

-But I am staying away.

How dare you use Sian to get to me?

I just want to make peace before it's too late.

I don't believe you.

HE COUGHS AND WHEEZES

I remember the day we brought you back from the hospital.

You were so tiny. So perfect...

Spare me the cliches, please.

What about the day you locked me in a cupboard

because I contradicted you in front of your friends?

Or the day you beat me with that belt because I spilt tea on your chair?

It wasn't like that. You always had an active imagination.

Oh, and let's not forget your spectacular ability to re-write history.

-I must have done something right.

-No!

No way.

Any success I've had is in spite of you, not because of you.

Which is why I will not allow you back into my life.

Don't contact me again.

Please...

Do you not understand? I'm dying.

I buried you a long time ago, Dad.

You all right, Sian? You dirty stop-out. It's me again.

Do you remember Home Alone kid?

The work experience initiative will be a great opportunity.

At least it'll give them an idea of the options open to them.

Yeah, like earning money instead of getting into serious debt.

-Got a new fella, than?

-What makes you think I've got a new fella?

Stop trying to make decisions for me.

You're breathing down my neck all the time. I can't stand it.

Oh, now-now, you two. Leave it out.

How much do you want, leech?

£3,000.

What's the big deal? It's just a room with a bunch of headsets.

This is the land of opportunity.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd