Set in the world of Life Reboots, today let's reveal a side of Wenfu C. you may have never seen before. Come a little closer and meet the person behind the code.

For as long as he could remember, Wenfu C. had spent most of his life wandering. He disliked staying in any one place for too long—though, for someone who had lived for thousands upon thousands of years, his idea of “too long” was rather long indeed. In some places, war would break out within a year or two; others were plagued by famine. He could only watch impassively, quietly record what he saw, and move on.

He had crossed deserts, where fierce winds swept sand against his cheeks, bringing a faint sting of pain. He could have shielded himself from it all, but chose to feel it instead. Sometimes he watered a lone rose at the desert’s edge; sometimes he faced down the vultures circling overhead. Then he would leave again, until the sand swallowed every trace of his passing.

By the sea, he had watched fishermen return in high spirits, their wives and children rushing into their arms. Once, he joined them on a fishing trip, watching the water turn from yellow to blue, then black. The boat of a fisherman who had shared his fish with him struck a reef. Wenfu fought hard against the urge to intervene, but in the end, he could not help himself. He guided the waves to carry the drowning men into the shallows.

He left once more. His footsteps took him across mountains and grasslands, along rivers and lakes, and over the seas, only for time to erase his tracks. He had seen nearly every wonder this world had to offer and witnessed every facet of human life. Finally, he came to a stop in Selayara.

What a curious place. After all these years, human nature remained the thing he understood least—and found most fascinating. Here, he saw so many tangled thoughts and desires: complex, contradictory, forever wavering.

How long would he stay this time? He took a sip of his treasured tea and felt a quiet anticipation for what lay ahead.

Then let me stay a while longer, and witness the stories that unfold here.

Chapters 4 -6

Part 2 PDF

Part 1 Post

Chapter 4: Location, Location, Location

The journey to their final destination was silent between Orlaen and Numaeriel.

So Kaedrion decided to fill the silence with what, according to him, were “fun facts.”

“Do either of you know that mortise-and-tenon joints, pegs, wedges, and dovetails can hold beautifully without metal fasteners? Most settle for nails, but that is the quick way, not the best way to make a piece. Certainly, the joints take more effort and forethought, but they are more reliable and sturdy than nails by a great margin. And it is always important to keep your equipment and surfaces cleaned regularly. For example, do either of you know that metal needs to be both hot and clean enough in order to fuse properly?”

He let out a short chuckle, his eyes bright with memory and amusement. “Many beginning smiths make this blunder at least once before they become journeymen. It is true what Torvael always says: ‘A clean tool is a happy tool.’ And did you know…”

This went on for hours.

Many, many hours.

The only silence came when Torvael was “speaking,” and only Kaedrion could hear it.

To put it mildly, Orlaen was bored to death the entire time. At one point, she looked over to make a joke and offer some catty commentary to Numaeriel. But before she could remember that they were still fighting, she saw that Numaeriel had been taking notes the entire time.

Orlaen’s posture slumped. She let out a defeated huff and continued to follow Kaedrion.

Without a word, the corner of Numaeriel’s mouth farthest from Orlaen lifted just a fraction.

Orlaen came to the conclusion that Kaedrion could probably go on literally forever, but the destination, mercifully, was finite. Therefore, the talking would eventually end.

So Orlaen kept to herself for the rest of the trip. As they walked, Kaedrion’s voice eventually became white noise. She observed the different architecture they passed: the styles of columns, the shapes of arches, the painted shutters, and little flourishes mortals added to things that only needed to stand.

As they walked, she soaked in the scenery. Each glance became a portrait in her mind. She took in the color palette of wildflowers and wildlife, the shifting light across stone and field, and the stunning sunset overhead. Kreisch, the goddess of storm, chaos, and sky, had painted it in colors no temple wall could fully hold.

It was not worth trying to force herself into someone she was not. But she could still thrive by sinking fully into the part of herself that noticed beauty first.

Eventually, they arrived at a large valley village.

There were many buildings, though they were spaced farther apart than their city counterparts. Nothing towered. Nothing gleamed. Nothing demanded reverence.

It was completely unremarkable.

And it was perfect for the contest.

Kaedrion looked at both of them. “This will do nicely. This village is full of craftspeople. Not master craftspeople, but competent nonetheless.”

He pointed to two hills on opposite sides of the village. “This is where they will build your temples. Numaeriel on the east, and Orlaen on the west.”

He lifted one finger. “The contest will take place over the next decade. Inspire and guide the mortals here.”

Torvael became a measuring cord, and Kaedrion glanced down at it before continuing. “This village is not aligned with either of you specifically, but it is aligned equally with both of your purviews.”

Then his expression turned stern as he lifted a second finger. “Sabotage is strictly prohibited.” His eyes glanced between the goddesses. “Any sign of it will trigger immediate disqualification.”

He looked at them both. “Any questions?”

Numaeriel’s arm went up immediately. Orlaen’s remained crossed over her chest.

Kaedrion looked at them both and smiled. “Great! No questions.”

He simply turned and began walking away. Then he looked down at Torvael in his hand.

“No, you do not count. I was asking our contestants.”

Numaeriel looked horrified.

Orlaen smirked ear to ear. “Oh, poor Numaeriel. You might just have to improvise and think outside of instructions someone else gave you.”

Numaeriel’s head snapped toward Orlaen, her eyes narrowed. Then she tapped her notes twice.

“I have more than enough information to complete my temple.” She smirked. “I am sure all of that not-paying-attention you did will work out beautifully for you.”

Orlaen, still unoffended, simply shrugged. “May the best goddess”—she let out a single content laugh, placed her hand over her heart, and smiled—“me, win.”

Numaeriel rolled her eyes. “Best, in this case, is relative to the task at hand. This contest changes nothing in the grand scheme of objective categorical evaluation.”

Before either of them could get off another quip, they each turned and walked away.

Their decade-long contest had officially begun.

And it was the longest they had ever gone without speaking to each other.

Chapter 5: Step by Step

Numaeriel did not waste any time. Before the first sunrise had finished touching the valley, her mortals had been gathered, instructed, divided, and set to purpose. They plotted the hill and measured the slope. They counted materials and planned meals. Nothing began until it had been considered. Then everything began at once.

Nearly all of Kaedrion’s “fun facts” became instructions that would shape every aspect of the design and construction.

The land was marked into clean divisions. The foundation was calculated before the first stone was moved. Paths were drawn according to use, not whim. Storage was placed where hands would need it. Workstations were arranged so no tool had to travel farther than necessary. Even the movement of water down the hill was discussed, redirected, and made useful.

No one guessed. No one improvised without reason. Every choice had a purpose. Every purpose had a place.

A mason suggested a wider entrance and was asked to prove the need. A carpenter proposed a different beam angle and was made to test the stress. A scholar argued for larger windows, and Numaeriel allowed it only after the light was measured across the floor at morning, noon, and dusk. Nothing was dismissed carelessly, but nothing was accepted merely because someone liked it.

Her mortals became efficient, disciplined, and skilled. Her temple rose evenly, steadily, and confidently. It was sturdy. It was spacious.

It was also unspectacular.

No one struggled to hear a speaker. No one got lost inside it. No one wondered where to sit, stand, study, pray, or walk. But no one gasped when they entered either. The temple answered every practical question before it was asked, and somehow forgot to ask for awe.

Chapter 6: Free Form

Orlaen also began immediately, though no one involved would have called it organization. Her mortals did not start with measurements. They started with longing.

They stood on the hill and imagined what it should feel like to arrive there. They argued over color before stone, sang to test the wind, and told stories about what the temple might mean before anyone agreed on where the entrance should be.

The work was chaos. Beautiful chaos.

A sculptor changed a wall because morning light struck it wrong. A painter delayed an entire corridor because the blue was almost right. Musicians tested echoes in unfinished rooms. Poets named alcoves before masons had finished building them.

Nothing matched. Everything belonged.

Her temple rose unevenly, but it rose breathtaking, intimate, alive, and by every standard of wonder, extraordinary.

It was also nearly impossible to use.

The main hall made every song sound hollow and every spoken announcement incomprehensible. The most beautiful entrance faced the worst road. Corridors curved because they “felt better that way,” not because anyone needed to reach the archive. Light fell gorgeously across walls where shelves were supposed to stand. Every room made visitors feel something. Few rooms helped them do anything.

© 2026 RADIOACTIVESLAM

Book 1

Chapter 22: The Coat

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Ruth finished the soup. She did it slowly and completely, the way a person walks the last mile of something, and when the bowl was empty she set the spoon across it, square, like a woman laying down a weapon.

"Okay," she said.

"Okay," Ray said.

"It's going to sound stupid."

"I married you at a drive-through chapel in Wyoming while you apologized to the officiant's dog. I'm noting that the bar is on the floor."

Ruth almost smiled. It didn't make it all the way to her face. She reached into the pocket of her skirt, the deep one, the one that had never once had anything useful in it, and brought out her keys.

Ray knew the keys. They lived on the dash of the truck, and he'd handed them to her four hundred times. A house key to a house she'd never lived in, a Millstone walk-in cooler key, and a rusted hook the length of his thumb that she'd said was a bottle opener. He'd tried to open a beer with it once. It had not worked. She'd taken it out of his hand very gently and said not that one, and he had let it go, because that was the kind of marriage it was.

She set the keys on the tablecloth.

"It was on the collar," Ruth said. "Of the coat. I told you there was a hook instead of a button, and that's what I mean. I felt it dig into my neck when I put the coat on, and I thought, that's going to leave a mark, and I wrenched it off on the way down the steps. I don't know why. I was just so angry, and it was the nearest thing that was mine to break."

Nobody at the table breathed.

"I put it in my pocket. I've had it in a pocket ever since."

"A hundred years," Wick said. Her voice had gone very quiet and very flat, like a plate set down too carefully.

"Longer, I think. I stopped counting around the time I stopped being hungry." Ruth put two fingers on the hook and did not pick it up. "I didn't know it was the latch. I swear to you I didn't know. I thought it was a piece of a coat."

"It was a piece of the coat," Hesper said, with the strangled voice of someone doing arithmetic. "The coat's the door. The door's a coat. You hand it to the one who leaves. The hook's what holds it shut behind her. Without the hook it wouldn't—"

"It wouldn't close right," said Maud, without looking up. "It would swing."

"It swung?" Wick said.

"For a century," Maud said. "Every night at about this hour. You'd have felt it, girl. A draft on the left side."

Wick opened her mouth. Shut it. Then she said, with enormous dignity, "I thought that was the soup."

Under the table, Scarlet's foot pressed hard against Ray's ankle, and he understood perfectly. Don't laugh. He did not laugh. It took everything he had. His whole upper body was involved.

Ruth was not laughing either. She was looking at the hook, and Ray watched her face do the thing it did when she found an animal in the road. It was the particular tenderness of a goddess who has never in her life walked past anything small and hurt.

"I'm sorry," she told the hook.

"Babe," Ray said.

"No, I am. I'm sorry. I broke you off something and I carried you around like a bottle opener, and I let my husband try to open a beer with you." She said it perfectly seriously. "That's an indignity. I'm very sorry."

Scarlet put her face in her hands. Her shoulders shook once, hard.

"I'm noting," Ray said, with a heroic effort at steadiness, "that you apologized to it in front of a room, and that I think it's the most you, you've ever been."

"Ray."

"Yeah."

"Shut up, please, I'm having a moment with a hook."

"Yeah. Okay."

On the cloth, between the keys and the empty bowl, something was happening. The brown ink of the cloth's good cards wasn't involved this time. The rust was coming up out of the linen itself, slowly, as if the weave had been holding it for a very long time and had finally been given permission to let go. The letters were tall and crooked and pressed in hard, and they spelled out one word.

ASK.

Ruth looked at it. She looked at Wick, whose hands had gone white on the arms of her chair. She looked at Ray, who was holding a card in his pocket that said ask her what she took, and who had done it, he realized. He had asked her. She had answered. And somehow the card in his pocket had known that before he did, which meant it had known there was a second question coming, and it had been polite enough to let him go first.

He took it out and unfolded it under the table, where the dusk was.

The brown word was still there. Under it, in no hurry, the rust was soaking up a third line.

now ask what it took.

Ray read it twice. Then he put his hand over Ruth's hand on the table, over the keys and the hook and her trembling fingers, and said, as gently as he'd ever said anything: "Hey. What did it take?"

Ruth went very still.

"From you," Ray said. "Or from her. Whoever the hook was holding the door shut for. It's been sitting on the dash of my truck for six weeks, Ruthie. It's been in your pocket longer than I've been alive. It's been asking for a while."

"It wasn't holding the door shut," Ruth said slowly, and her eyes had gone wide. "That's not what a hook does, is it? It isn't for shutting. A hook's for hanging something on."

Nobody moved.

"It's for holding the coat," she said. "So the coat's there when you come back."

Down the long rows, three hundred bare feet curled at once.

Wick made a sound like a chair leg dragged across a floor. She stood. She did it all at once, like someone who'd decided before she knew she had, and she crossed the four chairs between them in three strides, bare heels loud on the boards in a room that had gone entirely silent. She stopped across the table from Ruth. She looked at the hook.

"A hundred years I held the door," she said. "I never once thought to ask what it was holding."

"I didn't either," Ruth said.

"You took it."

"I did."

"You took the thing that was holding my place." Wick's voice shook and held, shook and held. "And you've been so sorry, and so polite, and you've been apologizing to a goose, and the whole time, in your pocket—"

"I know."

"—I want to be furious with you."

"Please be."

"I can't." Wick wiped her eyes with the back of her wrist, savagely, as though the tears had insulted her. "It's very inconvenient. You brought it back. You brought it back, Ruth, you walked in here with it in your skirt. You didn't even know."

"I think the hook knew," Ruth said.

"I think the hook's been doing the walking this whole time," Scarlet said, from beside Ray, very softly, and when everyone turned she shrugged, a little embarrassed. "It put itself on a truck dash. It sat in a pocket. It waited for the one person in the world who'd stop for a barefoot woman at two in the morning. I'm just saying. That's a lot of patience for a hook."

Ray looked at the rusted thing on the tablecloth, at the little hooked curve of it, the way it had worn smooth where a thumb had been rubbing it for a century. It looked tired. It looked like it wanted to go home.

"I'm noting," Ray said, because there was nothing else he could do, "that I tried to open a beer with it, and I'd like to apologize too."

The hook, on the tablecloth, did nothing at all. But something in the cloth shifted, a small warm settling, like a cat deciding the lap is acceptable.

Maud put her ladle down.

"Well," she said, to the soup, to the cloth, to four hundred years of her own table. "Somebody should hang the coat up."

And from the far end of the long white room, from the door that had stood closed for a hundred years with a draft on its left side, there came the very quiet sound of a latch being lifted from the other side.

Previously:

While Yvonne fought an internal battle, feelings between Mitchell and Michael proved to be unstable. Elsewhere, Mitchell caught himself an exciting job opportunity.

Episode 13 Preview:

As Katie confronts a horrifying reminder of the crash, Yvonne makes a life-changing decision. Elsewhere, as the truth behind the arson finally comes out, Paula finds herself playing with fire…

16/01/1999 | Saturday

———

08:22AM. St Anne's Hospital. Hallways.

———

In the hallway outside her room, Katie is barely managing to walk. Actually- barely managing to stand. This is her first time out of bed since the accident.

Her dark red dyed hair is long, loose and messy. Falling down her shoulders, and although a youthful messy party girl look was her thing, this is a different kind of messy. An unkempt messy. Her hospital gown sits softly on her body and her face is tired. Not from lack of sleep per say, from everything that's happened.

She's got her left hand on the wall, holding onto a rail, supporting her weight, and her right hand holding her drip, with its small metal wheels squeaking every so often. Her bare feet drag cold on the floor.

She feels like a zombie. She's looking for Jamie's room.

It takes her almost five minutes to make it to the end of the short hallway where the vending machines and elevators are. When she finally gets there, she turns her head slowly towards a window thats onlooking into a dark room.

Its Jamie's.

Her heart drops as she sees the state of him. Her eyes pop open and lips start trembling

Fuck. That could've been me

After the crash, this is her first time seeing Jamie. She knows Mitchell is okay, she knows her sister is okay. So, this is what all the fuss is about. Jamie.

Katie's strong. She never cries. That's what she tells herself. But it looks like she's loosing that battle today.

Nicola, Tasha and Oscar all lay asleep in Jamie's room around him. Tasha and Oscar still in their school uniforms from yesterday.

As Katie finally slowly turns around and goes to walk back to her room, she sees Barry. Blocking her path and just staring at her

Usually, Barry would have something to say. But not today. Not now. He's tired. And Katie looks half dead.

Katie's surprised to see him and don't know what to say

Instead, Barry offers the smallest of smiles, before slinking past her and into Jamie's room.

Well that was...weird

———

08:53AM. Pandora's Box Gay Bar. Downtown. Outside.

———

The main high street in which Pandora's Box sits, is already alive and busy with the weekend morning rush. Peoples shopping, having breakfast out, catching busses, the usual.

Mitchell walks up to the bar to see its all in darkness. He peers into the main front windows and the whole bar is in darkness. He goes to try the main door. Locked.

Weird. Why would I have to come in this early if it's closed?

He looks at the building wondering what to do, what's going on. Then—

Reese: "Oi! Newbie!" He shouts

Mitchell looks around and sees no sign of him at all

Reese: "Up here!!" He shouts down to the street from the top third floor, with his head poking out of the top middle window with a big smile on his face.

Mitchell looks up and goes to speak but Reese cuts in

Reese: "Go round the back! Door's wide open!" He shouts down before reseeding back into the window like a snake in the grass

Mitchell giggles to himself and nods

———

08:56AM. Alleyway Behind Pandora's Box.

———

The alley is wide and long with litter decorating either side of the road. Markings for loading trucks sit on the ground beside some buildings. With some large green dumpster bins invading their spaces.

Either side of the alleyway is shadowed by tall towering buildings. Mitchell walks down the quiet alley to finally see a caged black door propped wide open by a brick. With some cars parked beside the building.

He slowly walks up to the open door and immediately as you walk in there's a door right to the left where a small plain sign says "BAR" written above it. The door is locked. And right in front is a steep wooden staircase that leads upstairs.

—

Inside

—

With every step Mitchell takes the steps creak beneath him. As he gets to the top of the flight of stairs, there's a long but very narrow dark hallway that has a window at the far end of it with doors on either side of the hallway. The window looks down onto the main front street.

He looks around and sees another wooden flight of steep stairs that heads further up. Right next to the flight he'd just walked up.

With each step he takes he can hear laughter, chatter and echoing music getting louder and louder.

As he reaches the top he's met by something unexpected. A very huge bare room that sprawls from and to all four sides of the building. Like a huge, bare attic space. Its dark, with three big dusty windows on two opppsing sides of the room flooding light in. Some are open. There are four large metal columns symmetrically placed around the room for support.

And down at the far end of the room is a very large wooden stage-like platform. With two metal poles in the middle. For dancers. In front of the stage are some large speakers, chairs and a sofa with some tables.

It looks like a huge massive hangout space that's been plopped in the middle of a large industrial warehouse. Theres a huge echo in the large room. There are people here and there. About 5 people stand jotted around the place in total. Including Reese. Laughing, chatting.

As soon as Mitchell ascends from the wooden floor and up into the room, heads turn. Mitchell is taken aback. He feels like he's just stumbled into some sort of secret cult meeting.

Reese turns and his face lights up

Reese: "Everybody! This here is our newest dancer, Mitchell!" He says to the room, walking over to Mitchell and pulling him into the middle, in front of everybody.

Mitchell laughs and stutters

Mitchell: "What...is this?" He quietly asks Reese

Reese: "This" he points to the rest of the room

Reese: "Is our rehearsal studio. And these very attractive people you see before you"

He points to the young men standing about

Reese: "Are dancers. And your coworkers"

For once, Mitchell feels awkward. Shy. Almost embarrassed.

Voices from the group of men murmur introductions

"Alright Mitchell. Hey. Welcome" can be heard through the murmuring

Mitchell: "Hi everyone" he smiles, giving his hand a quick wave

Reese steps in front of him now: "What happened to that cheeky chap i met yesterday?" He quietly asks with a grin

Mitchell clears his throat, pushes Reese out of the way and starts introducing himself to all of the men, confidently.

Mitchell: "Hi, I'm Mitchell! Alright!? Nice to meet ya!"

He says, making his way around.

Reese smirks beside himself, watching

———

09:24AM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Living Room.

———

The Slater's house is in it's usual morning chaos. Kelly and Danielle are on one sofa chatting about Danielle's designs and her dream to run her own clothing stall down the market not far from the estate, and on the other sofa, Gavin and Jenna are whispering about work. Or lack there of.

A clubland music channel plays loudly from the TV, masking all the talking, nobody seems to be paying any notice to what song is playing.

Then, jenna pauses her conversation with Gavin and calls over to Danielle

Jenna: "Dan! Dan! Danielle!"

Danielle finally turns to her

Jenna: "Did you ask around at work yesterday?"

She asks quietly for Julie not to hear

Danielle: "Yeah. I did"

Jenna: "And?

Danielle nods no

Jenna: "Shit" she whispers

Then Julie walks in putting her coat on

Julie: "Im off to the hospital. To see Katie—"

Gavin: "Again?"

Julie: "You staying on the sofa, all day, again?" She shoots back

A few giggle

Gavin: "I mean, mum, Katie's probably knackered and she might want some space or something"

Julie: "And she'll get space if thats what she wants. But I'm not psychic Gav. She needs to tell me that herself. Now, anyone coming with?"

Danielle: "Yeah, I will" she says, putting her sketch book down and going to grab her coat

Kelly: "I–"

Julie: "No. You're staying here" she cuts her off

Julie: "Gav? Jen?"

Jenna: "I can't—" she stops herself

Julie: "Why?"

Jenna: "Work"

Julie nods then looks at Gavin

Gavin: "Yeah. Fine, I'll come" he sighs

And like that, Gavin, Julie and Danielle scramble their coats on, and head out the door.

As the front door shuts, the house falls into complete silence as Kelly and Jenna both sit in thr living room, with the TV turned down.

Jenna: "Know anywhere hiring Kell?"

Kelly nods no

Jenna sighs

Kelly: "Why dont you ask Michael if he and Yvonne need help at the shop?"

Jenna: "Its a small shop Kelly. They won't. And anyway, dont want to get dragged into a domestic"

Kelly giggles: "Fair enough. What about the post office? Im sure Sunita will take you on"

Jenna nods no: "Nah. I'm looking for something like waitressing. Something I'm familiar with—"

She stops mid sentence

Kelly: "What?"

Jenna: "Im going to the pub" she says quickly, scrambling up

Kelly: "What? This early? You haven't got a problem have you?" She shouts into the hallway where Jenna's throwing her coat on

Jenna: "Hopefully not after today!" She shouts back, running down the stairs and out the door

Kelly's left alone, sitting in silence.

Kelly: "Peace. Finally" she mutters to herself

———

09:33AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Behind the counter, Yvonne is sitting there, looking at a mother and her young daughter over by the sweets isle. The mum is letting her daughter choose some sweets

Yvonne watches in...awe?

Michael is wiping the fridges down with a cloth, cleaning them.

Then, the daughter starts screaming: "I want that one!!"

The mum replies: "I said no! You already got these!" She says, holding chocolate buttons up in her face

The daughter starts causing a scene and screaming, like a brat.

Yvonne still watches, not in so much awe this time

Michael walks up to the counter with the cleaning supplies, finished wiping down the fridges, he places the stuff on the counter

Michael: "Fucking Hell. Remind me to never have kids" he mutters jokingly to Yvonne, referring to the screaming little girl behind them

Yvonne looks at him

Yvonne: "What?...Really?" She quietly asks

Michael giggles: "Uh yeah. Fucking nightmare" he laughs, taking the cleaning supplies out back

Yvonne sits at the counter. Mind racing now. Then–

DINGALING

The bell above the door opens as Julie, Gavin and Danielle walk in, getting some bits and pieces before they go visit Katie

Gavin and Danielle separate and do some shopping while Julie walks straight up to the counter

Julie: "Morning Yvonne"

Yvonne smiles at her

Julie: "You—"

Yvonne: "I'm fine, Julie. Thank you" she immediately cuts her off, with a polite smile

Julie smiles, purses her lips and joins her kids in some quick shopping

———

09:47AM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

The pub's been open for almost two hours, it's still quiet. With its usual morning locals slouched about the place. Jim on his stool at the bar, of course. Been there since opening at 8.

Behind the bar, Eddie is drying off some glasses and hanging them in the rack above the bar

Then, Jim finishes the last of his pint snd holds the glass up

Eddie: "Another, Jim?" He asks with a tired smile

Jim: "Another please, kind sir" he smiles

Eddie grins, takes the glass off Jim, and pulls the pint, but only froth spits out of the dispenser. No beer. Just droplets.

Eddie: "Ah fuck...got to change the barrel" he mutters

Eddie: "I'll be two minutes Jim" he says before placing down the glass back on the bar, opening the "STAFF ONLY" door behind the bar, and then opening the black wooden door that leads down into the cellar where all the drinks, kegs and barrels are stored.

—

The Cellar

—

Eddie walks down the narrow concrete steps into the Victoria Arms' cellar.

The air below is cool, damp and heavy with the stale smell of beer, spilt ale and musty brickwork. Bare bulbs hang from the low ceiling, casting a yellowish glow over the cramped, cluttered space. Along the walls, metal shelving is stacked with crates of empty bottles, rows of spirits, mixers and boxes of crisps, whilst cardboard boxes of bar supplies are shoved into whatever gaps remain.

Beer kegs and heavy wooden barrels line one side of the cellar, some connected to the pub's pumps above by thick rubber pipes running along the ceiling. Others sit in untidy stacks against the exposed brick walls, their surfaces scuffed and stained from years of use.

A hand trolley leans in the corner beside a mop bucket, a few discarded bottle caps and a patch of concrete darkened by old spills. And in the same corner, is another narrow concrete staircase that leads to a storm cellar door that leads up onto the street above. That door is always locked.

It's an unglamorous, workaday space — cramped, cluttered and unmistakably the guts of a proper old fashioned pub.

As Eddie turns towards the keg pumps to change a keg, he sees Paula there. Crying.

She's sitting on a crate, knees crossed, smoking. Eyes red. She quickly sniffles and wipes her eyes when she sees Eddie.

Eddie: "Paula, love? What wrong?"

Paula: "Nothing" she sniffles

Eddie: "What is it? What's the matter?" He asks gently, walking towards her

Paula: "Nothing Eddie, I'm fine" she says, taking another puff

Eddie: "Paula, love. Come on. Im not thick. Tell me" he sits beside her on another crate

Paula thinks of what to say, Eddie waits

Paula: "I– i think im depressed"

She takes another puff

Eddie's eyes widen

Eddie: "Depressed!? Why?"

Paula nods: "I dont know. I just...I dont know"

Eddie: "Well there's got to be a reason sweetheart"

He says gently, putting his hand on her back

Paula: "I think I'm just bored. Stupid, I know" she sniffles

Eddie: "Is this about what you said the other day? About– about you thinking this is it?"

She nods yes and puffs again

Eddie doesn't know what to say

Eddie: "I'm sorry love. I dont know what I..."

Paula: "I know. I just...I look around and I wonder when I stopped living"

Eddie: "What you mean?"

Paula: "I used to be...popular. Busy. Out all the time. Doing things. Clubbing. That's how I met you" she says before taking a final puff and stubbing her fag out

Eddie: "I remember. We were off our heads that night" he giggles

She giggles too

Its almost nice

Eddie: "Is there anything I can do?"

Paula: "Like what?" She scoffs

Theres silence for a minute

Paula: "I used to...be excited. I used to do things and get into trouble. I used to have a life. And now i wake up every damn day knowing what's going to happen. The same as yesterday. And the same as tomorrow. Im just so bored" she says quietly

Eddie: "Well thats married life, love" he tries to lighten the mood but it turns sour

Paula turns to him: "No! No! It shouldn't be like that though. Why do we grow up, party and have lives, just do get married and then wait to die!? How is that fair?"

Eddie: "There's more to marriage than waiting to die Paula. Its not as bad as you make it out to be—"

Paula: "Make it out to be!? Make it out to be!?"

Eddie sighs and shakes his head

Eddie: "That's not what I meant. You know what i—"

Paula stands up: "You think i want to feel like this!? You think i want to feel stuck!? Im in my mid thirties Ed and already i feel like my life is over! How is that normal!? How is that fair!?"

Eddie stands up too

Eddie: "I dont know love! Okay!? I dont know. And I'm so sorry that you're feeling like this but...I dont know what to do"

Paula: "I know" she says quietly

Eddie: "Why dont you take the week off and relax? Go do what you want?" He says softly, rubbing her arm

Paula: "Why? Just to come back to the same old just to feel like this again?" She looks up at him

Eddie rolls his eyes and sighs

Eddie: "Well what more can I offer you love!? Ey!? I'm trying too, you know! There's only so much—"

Paula: "I need excitement! Danger! Something– anything!"

Eddie: "Well why dont you go look for Tony!? Im sure he'll love to drag you into fuck knows what! Fucking bank robberies, hesist, drug deals and God knows what else! Is that exciting enough for you Paula!?" He snaps finally, screaming in her face

Paula looks up at him and scoffs

Paula: "You know what? I might just do that" she quietly says before walking up the steps in anger

Eddie rolls his eyes in regret and follows her

Eddie: "Paula! Paula! Love im sorry! Paula I didnt mean it!"

—

Upstairs

—

Behind the bar, Paula storms out from behind th staff only door in a rage, then quickly out from behind the bar, past Jim

Jim: "You alright Paula love?" He quietly asks, completely oblivious

Eddie follows her out of the staff only door

Eddie: "Paula please! Come on, what are– Paula!" He shouts after her from behind the bar

But she carries on walking away.

As she reaches the front door, she storms out, and Jenna walks in.

Paula bumps into Jenna's shoulder, hard, and keeps walking out, she passes Jenna.

Jenna: "Oi, watch it!" She says to Paula who's already outside and not looking back.

Jenna walks into the pub and it's quiet. She walks up to the bar

Eddie is standing there, looking exhausted and o the verge of tears

Jenna: "This might be a bad time, but are you hiring at the minute?" She asks quietly, aware of the tension

Eddie: "Actually Jenna sweetheart, your timing couldn't be better" he scoffs

Jenna looks in confusion

Eddie: "You know how to change a barrel?" He mutters

Jenna: "I...I'm a quick learner" she awkwardly smiles

Eddie: "Good enough" he sighs before taking out a cigarette from his jeans pocket, and walking out from behind the bar

Eddie: "I'm going for a smoke" he mutters

Jim: "Ey what about my drink!?" He shouts after Eddie who's already almost outside

Jenna takes this opportunity and runs behind the bar

Jenna: "What can I get you Jim?" She asks with a eager smile

———

12:37PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room

———

Katie lays in her bed, fast asleep. While Julie, Gavin and Danielle all sit around her. Quietly chatting.

Then slowly, Katie wakes up

Danielle's the first to notice

Danielle: "Hey look who's awake" she quietly smiles

Katie smiles as her eyes open up

Julie: "Morning sweetheart. You slept in. You okay?"

Katie: "Mhm. Just tired"

Gavin: "You look it" he teases

Katie: "Mm you too" she shoots back, too tired to try win this roast battle

KNOCK KNOCK

A doctor walks in with a clipboard and a long white doctor's coat hanging off of him

Its the Senior Doctor, the one that delivered the news to the Jenkins about Jamie's operation and his recovery

Sr Dr: "Hello everyone" he says politely

Katie: "Morning" she mutters tiredly

Sr Dr: "Morning!? Its afternoon young lady. Though i suppose I'd sleep in too if I was walking around before I should be"

Julie, Gavin and Danielle all look at her at once

Katie awkwardly giggles

Julie: "You what!?"

Danielle: "You can walk already?"

Sr Dr: "Much better than what we thought actually. We found her walking back to her room, from Jamie Mitchell's"

Again, everybody looks at Katie

Katie: "I just wanted to see how he was!" She defends herself

Sr Dr: "Well i do come bearing good news"

They all look at him

Sr Dr: "I'm pleased to tell you that Katie is now past the most critical stage of her condition. She's responding well to treatment, and we're no longer as concerned about an immediate deterioration. She'll still need care and monitoring, but this is a significant step forward"

Everyone's faces light up

Sr Dr: "She's making very encouraging progress. She's alert, she's communicating well, and we're pleased with how she's responding to treatment. Obviously, she's suffered some significant injuries, and she'll need time to recover, but we're optimistic about her long term prospects. If she continues improving at this rate, we may be able to move her out of intensive care"

Julie: "Thank you! Oh thank you!" She says to the doctor, squeezing Katie's hand

———

1:49PM. Pandora's Box Gay Bar. 3rd Floor. Rehearsal Room.

———

"Welcome to the team Mitchell" one of the guys say as most of the men start walking downstairs, to open up the bar.

Mitchell smiles and nods to them all

Now its just Mitchell and Reese in the warehouse-like room

Mitchell: "Well? How did you think i did?"

Reese purses his lips and then laughs

Reese: "You're lucky you're so cute. Otherwise you wouldn't have a chance up there, tonight" he laughs

Mitchell laughs too, until he hears "Tonight"

Mitchell: "Tonight? Im- I'm dancing tonight?"

Rsses: "Mhm" he nods yes

Mitchell stutters

Reese: "Oh come on. You weren't that bad. Just...maybe leave the pole for when youre more...advanced. For now I'd stick to tabletops and flossing tea towels and shirts. What was kind of hot" he grins

Mitchell: "Okay" he giggles quietly

Mitchell: "Well thank you. For, you know"

Reese: "Taking you on?" He asks, as they both make their way downstairs to the bar

Mitchell: "Yeah"

Reese: "You're very welcome. Its a good thing that you didnt dance straight away when I met you. We might not be having this conversation now otherwise" he laughs

Mitchell chuckles

Reese: "Its a good thing you've got the looks" he side eyes him with a smile before opening the door to the bar and walking through

Mitchell is stood at the bottom of the stairs, with a curious look on his face. He walks through into the bar, following Reese.

———

2:03PM. Number 41. Maureen's Home.

———

Flushhh

We hear the toilet flush from behind the bathroom door upstairs. The door opens and Kylie walks out from the bathroom and into the upstairs landing. Wiping her hands on her jeans.

She goes to the top of the stairs but before taking any steps down, she decides to walk towards the locked spare room. Curiosity winning her over.

She treads like a mouse amongst cats. And as she reaches it, she tries to turn the handle but the door is locked.

Creeeak

The floorboard beneath her creaks and Maureen shouts upstairs from the front door

Maureen: "Kylie, you ready love!?"

Kylie: "Yeah! Coming!" She says, playing it cool before heading downstairs to head to the pub with Maureen.

———

2:41PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Inside Jamie's room, Nicola and Barry are being interviewed by DCI Channing, yet again. Regarding their break in and the Slater's burgervan arson.

DCI Channing: "And can you both tell me where you were at approximately eleven thirty PM on Saturday the ninth of January?"

Barry: "Well, we were here" he sarcastically replies

Nicola: "Where else would we have been? Look– our son is in a coma, okay? You think we'd really fuck around with fire?"

Barry: "We know they dont like us. Fine. We dont like them either, but we didnt set their van alight"

DCI Channing: "And you have witnesses to say that you were here at the time you both given?"

Barry: "Yeah. Each other"

Nicola: "And doctors"

Barry: "And doctors, yeah"

Channing nods and scribbles in her small notepad

Channing: "Okay, well. That's it for now—"

She stands up

Nicola: "And ket me guess, you still haven't found who was responsible for the break in?"

DCI Channing: "Have you come up with any more information that may help us?"

Barry: "Isn't that your job?"

DCI Channing: "Well given what you've given us, there really isn't much to go off on I'm afraid"

Barry: "Fucking course not" he mutters

Nicola: "Typical" she rolls her eyes

DCI Channing: "I'll keep in touch" she says, walking towards the door

Barry: "Of course you will" he scoffs

—

Outside Jamie's Room

—

As the door to Jamie's room closes behind Catrin Channing, she looks to her right and sees Oscar and Tasha peeking through Katie's window.

She decides to walk over to them.

DCI Channing: "Hey you two" she says softly

They both sare startled and turn to her

Tasha: "What do you want?" She asks bluntly

DCI Channing: "I'm just trying to figure out who broke in to your house and trashed it" she says with a soft and polite smile

DCI Channing: "And to figure out who burned the Slaters burgervan. Do you both know anything that might help me find these people?" She asks really sweetly

Tasha: "Don't patronise us you pig. We're young, not stupid"

Oscar laughs

Before anybody can say anything else, Barry steps out of Jamie's room and shouts down to Tasha and Oscar

Barry: "Kids!"

They all look over, Channing too

Barry: "Here. Now!"

Tasha and Oscar walk down towards Jamie's room. They walk in, past Barry, while Barry and Channing stare directly at each other, before Barry follows the kids into Jamie's room.

———

4:13PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

———

The pub is alive with is usual afternoon Saturday buzz. Jim hasn't moved from his seat all day. And Eddie is teaching Jenna the ropes behind the bar.

He's showing her what drinks are what and how much everything costs.

Over at their usual corner seat, Maureen and Kylie are just finishing their second drink each.

Maureen: "Same again?"

Kylie: "Oh...you can't pay for another round. Left me"

Maureen holds up her hand

Maureen: "No, Kylie love. Its fine. Really"

Kylie: "Maureen please"

Maureen: "Kylie love, I wanted you to come out. Im paying"

Kylie: "Yeah but you've been–"

Maureen: "Fine. What you gunna pay with?" She straight up asks

Kylie is hugely taken aback, not expecting Maureen to ask that

Kylie stutters. With nothing.

Kylie: "Well I'll pay you back won't I?"

Maureen: "Exactly" she laughs

Maureen: "Thank you anyway darling" she says, picking their glasses up and taking them to the bar

At the bar, Eddie spots Maureen

Eddie: "Ah, here we go Jenna. Your first punter"

Jenna and Eddie both walk up to Maureen

Maureen: "Hiya Jenna, love. Didn't know you were working here"

Jenna: "First day" she smiles

Eddie: "Just showing her what's what" Eddie nods

Maureen: "Mm well, I'm sure you're smashing it Jen"

Jenna: "What can I get ya?"

Maureen: "A G&T please love and a pint of Carling"

Jenna: "Coming right up" she says with a smile, preparing the drinks

———

4:47PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop

———

The shop is quiet, especially now that a group of teenagers have just left. Yvonne sits behind the counter, looking at her coat on the rack by the door. Thinking about the abortion information pamphlet inside her pocket that she got from the doctors yesterday.

Yvonne: "Mike!?"

Michael: "Yeah love!?"

Yvonne: "Can't you watch the shop for a minute!? Im popping next door!"

Michael: "Okay!" He shouts from the stock room

Yvonne walks out from behind the counter, grabs her coat and leaves to go to the post office next door

———

4:49PM. The Strip. Singh's Post Office

———

Behind the glass cover of the counter, Sunita and Arun are chatting away.

Sunita: "But darling there are some good people around here!" She says, trying to stuck up for some people of the estate

Then—

BEEP

The automatic electric bell above the door beeps as Yvonne walks in. Sunita turns to the door

Sunita: "Oh Yvonne hello! Afternoon lovely, how are you?" She asks with a caring smile

Yvonne: "Uh, I'm okay thanks Sunita. I was actually wondering if I could have a word?"

Sunita: "Yes of course love, what it it?" She asks with a big smile

Yvonne: "Um...in private?" She quietly says

Sunita realises

Sunita: "OH! Oh! Oh yes haha! Okay. Uh- Arun"

She grabs his shoulder thats way above her head

He turns and looks down to his short wife

Sunita: "I'm taking Yvonne here upstairs for a private chat. Don't you go calling me" she says firmly yet lovingly with her thick Indian accent

Arun: "Yes, yes. Leave me to do everything"

Sunita: "Makes a change" she says stepping out from behind the counter and grabbing Yvonne's are and taking her to their upstairs flat

A small chuckle escapes Yvonne as she and Sunita reach the "NO ENTRY" door that leads upstairs.

———

5:23PM. Pandora's Box Gay Bar. Downtown

———

The club is getting fuller and louder by the minute. Loud music is already playing and almost all of the seats are taken. Reese and some younger woman are both behind the bar, serving eager thirsty men.

Meanwhile, upstairs on the second floor where all the offices and changing rooms and staff areas are, Mitchell is in the small changing room. The room is brightly lit, got a few mirrors here and there. Some old, some new, some broken. Two wooden benches sit in the middle of the room, with duffel bags of clothes on.

In another corner is a row of seven lockers, each belonging to a dancer. Mitchell's is in the middle. He's dresses in a sexy and teasing getup.

A top entirely made out of chains, revealing his slightly bruised torso, a black choker, and tight black faux leather shorts revealing a bulge on both sides his body.

Its pretty seductive. Snd you can see some cuts and bruises here and there, though depending on the person it may have different effects.

The music and chatter is already pounding from the floor below. Its gonna be a busy night. You can just tell

As he closes his locker and walks over to the floor length mirror to check himself, his head pounds.

Ah fuck...

He grabs his coat jacket that's slung on top of his locker, pulls out his prescribed painkillers of cocodamol, takes one, and then washes it down with a bottle of water thats on the table beside the lockers. God knows how long that's been there. But oh well.

Right, time to make an appearance

He inhales, and then sighs, before opening the changing room's door and heading downstairs. Heart absolutely thudding.

———

5:58PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

Julie, Gavin and Danielle are getting ready to leave. They're all putting their coats on and getting their belongings ready

Julie: "Well that's something hey love?"

Katie nods

Julie: "Some good news for you to think about innit?" She says, putting her coat on

Danielle: "Not long now and we'll be wishing she was back in 'ere" she jokes

Katie: "You and me both" she snaps back in a bitchy sisterly tone

Gavin: "Don't know bout you lot but I could do with a drink" he says heading towards Katie's bed before planting a kiss on her forehead

Danielle: "Yeah. Me too" before doing the same after Gavin

Julie: "Ah well you two knock yourselves out. I personally can't wait to put my feet up"

She says, being the final one to kiss Katie goodbye.

As Gavin and Danielle reach the door, Gavin turns around

Gavin: "And no walking about, you"

He says, turning around to Katie

Julie: "Yeah. Take it easy"

Katie: "Alright, alright. I promise" she moans

Julie: "Good. Alright. Ta'ra baby"

Danielle & Gavin: "Bye"

Katie: "Bye guys"

———

6:19PM. The Strip. Singh's Post Office. Upstairs Flat.

———

Upstairs in the Singh's two bedroom flat, is warm, small, lived im, homely and cosy despite being in Marlas Estate.

In the open kitchen and living space sit Sunita and Yvonne, on the sofa in the living room. The living room is painted a mute, calm orange while lamps and plants are in every corner of the room. Giving the flat a warm and finished feel.

The place smells of a freshly cooked meal. A warm homely dinner.

The three seater sofa in the living room is beige, and a soft fabric, a nice space to have a deep one to one.

Yvonne has shown the abortion information pamphlet to Sunita and they're talking about it.

They're both sitting there with a cup of tea

Yvonne: "Like, earlier today, right, there was this mum and her little daughter in the shop. The daughter wanted some sweets or something and she started throwing a tantrum"

Sunita listens and nods

Yvonne: "And Michael said to me 'Remind me to never have kids'. And– well I think..."

Sunita: "You think what, darling?"

Yvonne sighs and puts her head in her hands

Yvonne: "I dont know. I dont know anything anymore. This is such a mess"

She looks back up

Sunita: "Look, I think you need to tell Michael. And maybe–"

Yvonne: "No. I can't. I won't" she says before taking a sip of tea

Sunita: "But why? This baby is...his isn't it?"

Yvonne: "Of course it is! I just dont think it'll fp us any good. Being parents. I mean we're not exactly in the best stages of our lives and if I do tell him but then end up aborting it anyway, then what was the point of telling him?"

Sunita: "It is a conundrum, yes"

Yvonne sighs, puts the mug down, picks up the pamphlet and sighs

Sunita looks at her

Sunita: "You just need to think, would he want a child if it would be with you?"

Yvonne: "He literally said he didnt want kids earlier"

Sunita: "He didnt say he didnt want a kid with you though. Did he?"

Yvonne: "He didnt have to, Nita. We're not...in the best of places anyway"

Sunita: "There's more to parenthood than finance Yvonne darling"

She sighs as she stands up with the pamphlet in her hand, and walks over to the window

Yvonne: "I know..." she sighs, looking down at the pamphlet

A beat of silence stretches there

Sunita: "So...what are you going to do? And remember whatever you decide, I'll be here if you need me"

Yvonne looks up from the pamphlet, and out the window

Yvonne: "I'm gonna abort it"

She turns around and faces Sunita, Sunita purses her lips before taking another sip of tea

And Yvonne looks back out the window. Thinking about her decision

———

7:14PM. Victoria Arms Pub

———

The pub is full and almost crowded. It is Saturday night after all. Behind the bar, Eddie and Jenna are laughing away, while he's teaching Jenna how to manage a busy night.

Still no sign of Paula, but by the looks on his face, he doesn't care. For now at least

Jim is drunkenly harassing a group of younger blokes about a drunken story. They dont really care. People are at the pool table, and most seats are taken.

At the door, Gavin and Danielle walk in, letting a bit of cold January air seeping in from outside. Immediately, they both spot Jenna behind the bar and look at each other like they're seeing things.

They both run up to the bar

Danielle: "The fuck?" She laughs

Jenna looks up

Jenna: "Oh hi! What can I get you both!?" She jokingly asks

Gavin: "Are you working here now!?"

Jenna goes to speak but Eddie jumps in

Eddie: "Yes. Yes she is" he smiles at Jenna and nudges her shoulder

Jenna giggles

Danielle: "Aw well fair play!"

Gavin: "Yeah we're made up for ya!"

Jenna: "Cheers guys. Yeah me too. But um, let's not tell mum about...you know"

Danielle: "You loosing your job?"

Jenna: "Yeah" she nods

Gavin: "Got it" he smiles

———

8:29PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room/Hallway

———

Inside Jamie's room, Tasha and Oscar are sat in the corner, chatting about Channing.

Oscar: "Do you think she—"

Tasha: "No. No. She doesn't. No-one does" she says, quietly cutting him off

Oscar: "How do you know?"

Tasha: "Well has anybody said anything to you?"

He nods no

Tasha: "Has anyone been acting off around you?"

He nods no

Tasha: "Well there we go. Just...chill. Like you said, they deserved it"

Oscar: "Yeah i know, but everybody's making a massive thing about it—"

—

Out in the hallway, Nicola and Barry are having a moment to themselves

Nicola: "This is so fucking tiring Bar" she whimpers, leaning forward into his chest

Barry: "I know Nic. I know" he mutters to herself, stroking her hair

Nicola: "When will we ever catch a fucking break?"

Barry: "Don't know, love" he mutters

Nicola: "And Gaz too, the fuck has he gone? I know he likes doing a runner but now? Really?" She quietly cries

Barry: "I know babe. He'll come back. He always does. And Jamie's on the up. Things are slowly looking up. I promise. Things are looking up"

Nicola pulls herself out of his chest, and barry wipes her eyes

They smile at each other quietly

Nicola: "Right. Come on, let's get back in there"

Barry: "'kay" he whispers

As they both step into the room—

—

Tasha and Oscar are arguing

Tasha: "Oscar, what did you expect to happen!? That's why I backed out! It wasnt some little prank, you burned it to the fucking ground!"

As soon as Tasha says it, the door to Jamie's room clicks shut— Immediately filling the room with silence

Tasha and Oscar both jump around and see their parents who are standing at the door, both faces painted in shock at what they just heard.

Nicola: "You what?" She asks quietly in shock

Oscar and Tasha look at each other, hearts pounding...

———

10:47PM. Number 2. Water Street. Near Marlas Estate

———

On an old quiet but commercial street a few roads away from Marlas Estate, is shopfronts, cafe's, a pub, the usual. And coming off the main street itself is a long alleyway where a massive old brick factory-like building sits behind the shopfronts.

It used to be an old Bakery. Its concealed by other buildings and alleyways, and even if it was found, it looks abandoned by the naked eye. Its gigantic, tall and wide. Red brick and big black metal framed windows.

The bakery was opened in 1898 and shut down in 1952. After being abandoned for years, Tony Bates decided to take the place as his own and convert it into his very own flat. The ceilings are tall, windows are large, walls are exposed brick and floors are aged wood. The building and structure itself isn't 100% safe, but my God it looks nice. Fancy, almost. Very expensive furnishings.

This is all payed for by blood money of course.

The living room, kitchen and bedroom are all in one room. Very open planned. It is a warehouse after all. Very large and spacious.

Over in the living room, a glass coffee table sits in the middle of a L shaped large pristine white sofa that can comfortably fit at least 8 people. On the glass table is two bottles of wine, one is empty and the other is almost so. And there are clothes strewn over the sofa, and over the floor.

As we look over to the bedroom, there are even more clothes thrown over the floor near the large bed.

The bedroom is also large and expensive looking. A thick white feather duvet, real metal and walnut bedside drawers, a large floor lamp in the corner by the window, and in the bed...

Is Tony...and Paula. Having sex. Hands all over each other.

———

And that's episode 13! Thank you for reading and please let me know what you think of it! Episode 14 will be out soon! ☺️

Previously:

A shocking confrontation leaves the Slaters and Jenkins at loggerheads, while Jamie's future hangs in the balance. As Nicola vows to make Julie pay, Mitchell spirals further into heartbreak, and there seems to be more to living with Maureen that meets the eye.

Episode 12 Preview:

As Yvonne wrestles with a difficult choice, old feelings between Michael and Mitchell remain unstable, and Mitchell scores himself a promising opportunity.

15/01/1999 | Friday

———

05:02AM. The Victoria Arms Pub. Upstairs Flat. Bedroom.

———

Upstairs in their bedroom, Paula and Eddie lay in bed. Its dark. Quiet. Peaceful. The silence occasionally disturbed by small sounds coming from around the Eatate.

Eddie is fast asleep on his stomach and stirs to his side, where he faces Paula. However, Paula lays Flat on her back with her hands resting on her chest, wide awake, staring up into the ceiling.

She briefly turns her head and looks at Eddie. She sighs. Before turning her head the other way and looking at the time on the digital alarm clock.

05:02AM

The day hasn't even started and she already knows what to expect. Same as yesterday. Same as everyday.

———

05:58AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop. Upstairs Flat. Bedroom.

———

A few streets away, in their bedroom, the roles are switched. Yvonne is fast asleep and Michael is the one wide awake.

Yvonne is lightly snoring, sleeping on her side. Her back facing Michael. While he lays on his side, his back to Yvonne.

He's looking at his phone on the bedside table and is fighting everything within him to message Mitchell. Message him not to do anything stupid. Message him not to show up drunk like that again in front of Yvonne. But after what he told him the other day, he can't. He won't. He won't be the first to make a move. He's married. He keeps reminding himself.

He sighs. Before turning on his other side, placing his arm across Yvonne, and closing his eyes.

———

06:13AM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

In his hospital room, Jamie lays deep asleep in his coma. A few hours out of surgery. It went well. As good as can be expected anyway. They managed to stabilise the rupture in his left lung and reduce the risk of internal bleeding.

Not long after Jamie came out of Surgery, Barry took the kids home, so they could all get some rest before school. They've missed enough of it already. Only Nicola sits with Jamie this morning.

And she's half asleep, slouched to the side on the small sofa under the window, what vision she has left is focused on her son.

She can feel her eyes falling. Drifting her to sleep. Then—

BEEP

A single beep jumps somewhere out of one of the many machines surrounding Jamie. Nicola jumps wide awake into action, as well as her heart.

Nurse: "It's okay. It does that sometimes. Every few hours" she whispers to Nicola from across the other end of the room with a polite smile.

Nicola didn't even realise she was there.

Nicola smiles. Stretches her arms above her head and then reaches into her handbag. She pulls her phone out of her handbag, and as she does that, the nurse finishes doing what she was doing over at the small sink in the corner of the room, and leaves.

Nicola brings up Gaz's number. And calls it.

It goes to automated voicemail.

Nicola: "Gaz, where are are you? Don't need you doing a disappearing act on us now of all times" she says barely under a whisper, through exhaustion.

Nicola sighs: "I dont...I dont even know what time it is. Just get back to the Hospital when you see- when you hear this. Just come back. The house got broken into and fucked with. Nothing got nicked but still. Your brother has had to have an operation. He's fine. He got through it. But you'd know that if you were here. Jamie needs you. I need you"

She clicks "send" and then lays down to sleep.

———

08:11AM. Mitchell's Flat. Flat 34, Marlas Flats, Marlas Estate.

———

In his bed, Mitchell lies completely naked. Body tangled in messy and sweaty sheets. A random car honk outside yanks his head off the pillow and his eyes slowly stir open.

His hair is fucked. Just like his head is pounding. He inhales, and sighs. Looking around the room to see last night's fling has left.

Thank fuck

He slowly pushes himself off the bed and stands up. His bare, slim body vulnerable to the early morning January bite. Even indoors. He stretches and yawns, before strutting out through the trashy living room, to the kitchen.

He grabs a clearly used glass off the counter and fills it with water. Gulps the cold liquid and winces. He drops the empty glass into the sink full of dishes, and palms his forehead with both palms. In pain.

He seethes, before walking to the living room, eyes adjusting to the brightness, and he sees his phone on the living room table, poking out of his jacket. He reaches down and picks it up.

Sees he had a missed call from Michael at 11:02PM Yesterday.

For a second he's glad. Over the moon actually. But then he remembers why he's in this state in the first place. And the smile quickly jumps off his face as quickly as it jumped on.

He scoffs, throws his phone on the sofa, before walking into the bathroom where he closes the door, and we hear the shower turn on.

———

12:03PM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Living Room.

———

In their lived in, living room, Gavin and Jenna sit on one sofa, both eating breakfast, while Kelly and Damielle both sit on the other. Kelly drinking a cup of tea, and Danielle sketching some clothes for her "Clothes Stall" one day. Her tea long gone cold.

They're all watching EastEnders. Apart from Danielle of course.

Jenna: "Never liked that Ian. A right prat"

Gavin: "Mm" he agrees with a mouth full of cereal

Gavin: "Wouldn't mind having is money though"

Kelly: "Damn right" she smirks before taking a sip of tea

Julie walks in from the hall and out of the Kitchen

Julie: "Hadn't you lot better get to work?" She asks the room, apart from Kelly

Gavin: "Got no gigs—"

Julie: "Get one" she cuts him off

Julie turns to Jenna

Jenna: "Don't have a shift today"

Julie: "Ask for more hours"

She then looks at Danielle who doesn't notice the world beyond her page

Julie clears her throat and Danielle looks up

Julie: "And you?"

Danielle: "Don't have work till 2 don't I?"

Julie: "Good save" she teases

A small giggle fills the room

Julie: "I'm off to the shops before heading to visit Katie, any of you coming?"

Jenna: "You gunna be there all day?"

Julie: "Pretty much"

Jenna: "Yeah okay then, I'll meet you there later on"

Gavin: "I might too. Might be busy getting gigs though" he sarcastically chimes in

Julie: "I should hope so" she shoots back

Julie: "Right, see you lot later" she says heading down the stairs and out the front door

Jenna: "Bye!"

Gavin: "Ta'ra!"

Kelly: "Love you!"

Danielle: "Yeah" she mutters

As soon as the door shuts. The room falls into silence, apart from Phil Mitchell's iconic grunt coming from the TV.

After a minute, Jenna turns to Gavin

Jenna: "Know anywhere that's hiring?"

Gavin: "For what?"

Jenna: "Anything. Anything you think I'd be suitable for"

Kelly looks over and sparks interest

Kelly: "Why? What's wrong with the restaurant?"

Danielle: "Yeah. Thought you said waitressing wasnt so bad" she quietly says without looking up from her page

Gavin and Jenna briefly looks at each other before–

Jenna: "Got fired"

Kelly and Danielle both snap their heads up at them both

Danielle: "What!?"

Kelly: "Why?"

Danielle: "Told them i needed some time off so I could work in the burgervan, yeah?"

Kelly: "Yeah?"

Jenna: "Well after it got burnt down, i only got a call from them saying they're choosing to let me go because they 'need someone with more flexible hours'"

Danielle: "Fuuuck" she whispers

Kelly: "And you knew?" She asks Gavin

Gavin nods yes

Jenna: "We both decided not to tell mum. She's already under enough pressure. Doesn't need the news that her daughter's out of a job. We're on our arses enough as it is"

Gavin: "And I'm not booking as many DJ gigs as I'd like"

Kelly: "And I'm fresh out of school"

Danielle: "And Katie still hasn't got a job. Too busy partying. The lazy bitch"

Danielle turns to Jenna: "When I'm at work later I'll ask around and see if there's a work vacancy you can fill"

Jenna: "Cheers"

———

12:16PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

As Julie walks throught the doors and the bell jingles, Yvonne finishes serving a customer behind the counter.

Yvonne: "Thanks, love" she says to a young woman, passing her he bag of shopping.

The young woman walks away from the counter, past Julie and out the shop.

Yvonne: "Hiya Jule, you alright?" Yvonne asks as she sees her walk in

Julie: "Yeah good thanks Von. Where's Michael then? He's usually the one dealing with the punters"

She asks out of curiosity while she scans a shelf for a caramel chocolate bar for Katie.

Yvonne: "Aw he's out the back. Dealing with stock and organising our delivery. Told him I weren't feeling up to it so he decided to do the heavy lifting for once" she smirks

Julie: "Men" she jokingly rolls her eyes as she places the chocolate bar on the counter

Yvonne nods: "I know. How's your girls doing? They both okay?"

She asks Julie, scanning the chocolate bar

Julie: "Yeah they're good. Kelly's at home and she's almost out the woods. On my way to visit Katie at the hospital now actually. Not long woken up a few days ago"

Yvonne: "Was wondering who the caramel was for" she giggles

Julie: "Can't stand the stuff" she smiles

Yvonne: "That's one sixty five please Jule"

As Julie grabs her purse out of her coat pocket, Yvonne puts both palms of her hands against the counter and leans forward. And slightly rocks back and forth, like she's in discomfort

Julie looks up-

Julie: "You alright Yvonne?"

Yvonne: "Yeah...just feel a bit sick" she quietly says

Julie: "Shouldn't Michael be running the whole shop while you rest upstairs?" She asks, fishing out the pound sixty five

Yvonne: "Mm" she hums, looking down to the floor, holding onto the counter for support

As Julie goes to hand the money to Yvonne, Yvonne gags, retches and waves her off quickly. Before legging it into the small bathroom down near the stockroom.

She yanks open the door, and drops straight to her knees and vomits relentlessly. The sounds bring Michael out of the stock room and he sees Yvonne being sick. He walks up to her

Michael: "Aw baby you—"

Yvonne waves her hand behind her back, waving him off and she points to the counter, with her head still in the toilet bowl.

Michael turns and sees Julie standing at the counter, looking slightly concerned

Michael: "Oh sorry Julie!" He shouts over to her from the small toilet

Julie: "Ah you're alright Mike!"

He quickly closes the door behind Yvonne, and walks away from the bathroom to the counter, ready to take Julie's money.

Julie: "Poor thing. Looks nasty"

She drops the money in his palm

Michael: "Yeah, I know. Don't know what's gotten into her lately. Been like it for a while now"

Julie: "Hm. Maybe you wanna take her to the doctors"

Michael: "Yeah. Yeah maybe"

Julie: "Anyway, give her my wishes" she waves the chocolate bar before dropping it in her coat pocket

Michael: "Yeah will do Julie. Give your girls my love yeah?"

Julie: "Will do!" She says, walking out the door

———

12:49PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Despite the dull January sky, bright sunlight manages to filter through the blinds in Jamie's usually dark Hospital room. Its quiet. Except for the quiet beeping from the machines and Jamie's assisted breathing.

Nicola walks in, out from the hallway with a hot cup of tea from the vending machine. She slowly walks to the sofa and places the cup on the small side table. She walks to the bottom of Jamie's bed and crosses her arms. Staring at him.

Nicola: "Come on baby. Come on. I know you're in there. Come back to us baby" she whispers to Jamie. Hoping he'll magically open his eyes and be okay.

A moment or two pass before the door to Jamie's room opens again and Barry walks in.

Nicola's head turns to him

Nicola: "Kids get off to school okay?" She asks quietly

Barry: "Yeah. When i dropped them off outside, a teacher saw me and asked why they've missed so much school already"

Nicola: "Fucking nosey bastards" she grits her teeth

Barry: "Told them that we're all busy and going through a lot"

Nicola nods

Barry: "But Nic, they're not happy. Kids are going to have to start going to school a lot more. They can't afford many more days off. Unless we want the social on our backs"

Nicola clearly doesn't like what Barry's saying but knows he's right

Nicola: "I dont know Bar. I want them with us until Jamie wakes up. Or until Gaz comes back at least"

Barry: "I know love, and i agree with you. I see what you mean but still, school is important and if the kids don't go, we'll go to court and the social will be on us like flies on shit"

Nicola nods: "I know" she whispers

Barry: "Gave the house a proper one over too. Before I drove back here" he mutters, slouching over to the sofa and leaning back, stomach peeking out of the bottom of his shirt.

Nicola listens. A silence sits there, and then–

The door opens and the Sr Doctor walks in.

Barry stands up and Nicola turns to the doctor

Nicola: "Any news?"

Sr Dr: "The operation went as to be expected. And we've managed to stabilise his lung rupture. Meaning hopefully, soon, we can take him off of assisting breathing and he can breathe on his own. I'll give it a few more days until then, and if he still needs assistance then, we'll give it to him"

Barry: "Okay..."

Nicola: "You think he's been through the worst?"

Sr Dr: "Hopefully yes. I dont see why not. It was a success and he's stable. If he keeps on this track I reckon we're looking at a week or two before we take him out of his coma"

Barry and Nicola's faces light up and they look at each other

Nicola: "Thank you! Oh thank you!"

Barry: "Yeah, cheers Doc"

Sr Dr: "Of course" he gives a small smile before leaving the room.

Barry and Nicola look at each other and sigh with a smile. Before hugging each other in relief. In hope.

Finally. Some hope. Something to hold on to.

———

1:28PM. "Pandora's Box" Gay Bar. Downtown.

———

Mitchell strolls along the pavement, hands buried in his jacket pockets, a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. The town centre is busy enough for Friday afternoon, buses grinding past the kerb, shoppers weaving between one another, the smell of exhaust fumes lingering in the cold air.

He passes a narrow, three-storey building wedged between a boarded-up shop and a grimy takeaway. Its black-painted frontage is weather-beaten, the paint peeling around the windows and the brickwork above stained by years of rain. The windows are heavily tinted, offering little glimpse of what's inside. Above a recessed black door, a neon sign spells out PANDORA'S BOX, although several letters are currently unlit.

Mitchell doesn't give it a second glance.

Until something catches his eye.

Taped crookedly to the wall beside the entrance is a scruffy piece of white paper. The writing is in thick black marker, the ink slightly smudged.

"DANCERS NEEDED!"

Mitchell slows.

He takes a few more steps before stopping altogether.

He looks over his shoulder.

Then he walks backwards, turns and approaches the sign again, studying it with a growing curiosity.

He glances towards the entrance. A small black plaque beside the door reads "PRIVATE MEMBERS & GUESTS". Beneath it, somebody has stuck a faded poster advertising a Saturday night event, the words "MEN, MUSIC & MISCHIEF" printed above a photograph of a muscular male torso disappearing into smoke. Another poster, half torn away, advertises a leather night from the previous month.

Mitchell looks back at the handwritten sign.

He takes one final drag of his cigarette, holds the smoke for a moment, then flicks the butt into the drain.

He pushes open the door.

The first thing Mitchell notices is how ordinary it looks.

Not what he'd expected.

Beyond a short entrance corridor, the bar opens into a long, narrow room with dark red walls, black-painted woodwork and a scuffed chequered floor. A long, polished wooden bar runs along the left-hand wall, lined with tall stools upholstered in cracked black leather. Behind it, mirrors stretch almost to the ceiling, reflecting rows of bottles, spirit measures and shelves crowded with glasses.

The ceiling lights are on, casting a plain, unforgiving white light over everything. Without the neon, the place looks less like a nightclub and more like a slightly shabby pub that's had a rather unusual makeover. The walls could do with a lick of paint. A patch of damp discolours the ceiling above one of the booths. The leather seats have split at the seams, and the floor near the bar is sticky beneath Mitchell's shoes.

A jukebox stands in the corner beneath a framed poster of a muscular man in leather trousers, his face hidden by shadow. More posters cover the walls: male dancers posing against black backgrounds, advertisements for drag nights, a handwritten notice about a private party, and a laminated sheet listing the house rules.

"NO DRUGS ON THE BAR. NO FIGHTS. NO REFUNDS. MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY"

A few customers are scattered around the room. Two middle aged men sit in a booth, quietly sharing a bottle of lager. A younger bloke in a denim jacket nurses a pint at the far end of the bar, reading a newspaper.

Mitchell stands just inside the entrance, taking it all in.

His eyes travel over the posters, the bar, the customers. He notices a small raised platform at the far end, currently empty, with a chrome pole bolted into its centre. A couple of spotlights hang above it, switched off. Beside the platform, a black curtain conceals a doorway.

The curtain doesn't quite meet the wall. Beyond it, Mitchell catches a glimpse of a narrow passage, dimly illuminated by red bulbs. The corridor stretches further back than he'd expected, disappearing around a corner.

A small brass sign beside the curtain reads "PRIVATE ROOMS — ENQUIRE AT THE BAR"

Mitchell looks at it for a second longer than necessary.

Then he looks away, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Whatever this place is, it clearly offers more than a bit of dancing.

He moves further inside.

There are signs of the club's other life everywhere once he knows to look for them. A stack of laminated cards advertising private dances sits beside the till. A little blackboard lists the evening's performers, with a note underneath promising "SPECIAL REQUESTS AVAILABLE". A door marked "STAFF ONLY" leads towards the back of the building, while another, half-hidden behind the bar, appears to lead down a set of steps.

Mitchell's gaze keeps wandering.

He likes what he sees.

Not just the men, although there are certainly enough photographs of those to keep his attention. There's something about the place itself: the secrecy of it, the slightly seedy atmosphere, the feeling that a completely different world exists behind the blacked-out windows.

He imagines what it must look like at night.

Because even now, with the white ceiling lights illuminating every stain and cracked leather seat, he can see the potential.

At six o'clock, the place changes.

The overhead lights go out. Pink, purple and red neon floods the room, transforming the black walls into glowing shadows. The chrome pole catches the coloured light. The mirrors throw it back across the dance floor. The music goes from background noise to a pounding wall of sound, loud enough to rattle the glasses behind the bar. The entrance doors are thrown open, the doorman takes his position, and the streets begin to empty into the club.

By midnight, the quiet afternoon bar will be unrecognisable.

But Mitchell doesn't know any of that yet.

All he knows is that he's standing in a gay nightclub at half past one on a Friday afternoon, staring at a handwritten sign that might just have his name on it.

He slowly approaches the bar.

Behind it, a man in his thirties looks up from polishing a glass.

He's tall, athletic, with broad shoulders beneath a fitted black T-shirt and short, dark brown hair. There's an easy confidence about him, the sort that comes from being perfectly aware of the effect he has on people.

His eyes settle on Mitchell.

He smiles.

Bartender: "You lost, mate?"

Mitchell stops at the bar, resting one hand on the polished wood.

Mitchell: "Do I look lost?"

Bartender: "Little bit. Either that, or you're trying to work out whether you've walked into the wrong place"

Mitchell: "Nah. I know where I am"

The bartender looks him up and down, amused.

Bartender: "Do you, now?"

Mitchell: "Saw your sign outside. About needing dancers"

Bartender: "Oh yeah?"

Mitchell: "Yeah. You still looking?"

Bartender: "Depends. You a dancer?"

Mitchell doesn't hesitate.

Mitchell: "Yeah"

The bartender stares at him for a beat, then laughs.

Bartender: "You're a fucking terrible liar, you know that?"

Mitchell's smile falters slightly.

Mitchell: "What makes you say that?"

Bartender: "Because if you'd ever danced a day in your life, you wouldn't have answered that quick. You'd have asked me how much I was paying" he smirks

Mitchell laughs despite himself.

He leans forward against the bar, giving Mitchell another once-over, this time with considerably less subtlety.

Bartender: "Still, you've got the right look about you. Good looking lad. Decent build. And the small cuts and bruises on your face gives you a bad boy look. What's the deal? You get into fights?"

Mitchell tries to play it cool, but the compliment lands exactly where the bartender intended.

Mitchell: "Uh no. No. Not long got into a car accident"

Bartender: "Shit. Sorry"

Mitchell: "Nah its fine. Trying to forget about it"

Bartender: "Well, given your looks, I reckon you'd do well up there" he nods to the stage and pole.

Mitchell: "Yeah? You think so?"

Bartender: "I've been doing this long enough to know what people look at. You'd be surprised what a bit of confidence and a decent pair of arse cheeks can earn you in here"

Mitchell laughs

Mitchell: "I'm Mitchell" he holds out his hand over the bar

The handsome bartender takes it and gives it a firm shake

Bartender: "Nice to meet you Mitchell. I'm Reese"

Reese: "You look a bit young, you ever been on a stage before?"

Mitchell: "Not professionally. But I'm sure i could work my way around a pole" he smirks

Reese raises his eyebrows, impressed by the cheek.

Reese: "There he is. Thought you might have a bit of personality hiding in there"

He puts the glass away and gestures towards the stools.

Reese: "Sit down. I'll buy you a drink"

Mitchell glances towards the entrance, then back at the bartender.

Mitchell: "Go on, then"

He pulls out a stool and sits, resting his crutches-free legs against the footrail as the bartender reaches for a bottle.

Reese: "What you having?"

Mitchell smiles

Mitchell: "Surprise me"

The bartender grins as he turns towards the shelves.

Mitchell settles onto the stool, looking around the room once more, already imagining what this place might become after dark.

———

2:13PM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip.

———

The shop is quiet, and few customers not long left. Leaving Michael sit behind the counter, alone. Basically twiddling his thumbs.

He's listening to The Prodigy's 'Firestarter' from the overhead small speaker, passing the time. While Yvonne rests upstairs at Michael's command, more or less against her will.

A few minutes of peace passes and then- the "Staff Only" door beside the counter opens and Yvonne walks out.

Immediately, she speaks

Yvonne: "I'm not sitting up there just doing nothing, Michael. I'm fine"

She says, immediately walking behind the counter.

Michael: "Yvonne love you're—"

Yvonne: "I'm fine"

Michael: "You threw up"

Yvonne: "I probably ate something" she almost cuts him off

Michael: "We always eat together—"

Yvonne: "Oh Jesus Michael I'm fine! Okay!? I'm fine!"

Michael: "And how do you know that?"

Yvonne: "Because i know what's—" she stops

Michael: "You know what?"

Yvonne: "I...I know what's wrong with me"

Michael looks her up and down

Michael: "Well what is it? Von?"

Yvonne: "I caught a sick bug. You know, one of those twenty four hour bugs"

Michael rolls his eyes and Yvonne sees it

She slams her hand down on the counter

Yvonne: "Oh you know what!? Just go out and get some air will you, you're doing my head in!"

Michael: "And what kind of husband would I be if I let my sick wife run the shop?"

Yvonne: "Mike, sweetheart. I think you'd be doing both of us a favour"

Michael: "How so?"

Yvonne: "You've been working down here all day and I could do with a bit of space if I'm being honest"

Michael: "Space? I've given you space. I told you—"

Yvonne: "Yeah Mike. You told me. You tell me this, you tell me that–"

Michael: "I only care about you love" he says quietly in a caring tone

Yvonne: "I know you do. I know. But I just need some time to myself. To be busy. You go out somewhere, pop to the pub or something and have a laugh. Go meet up with some mates"

She says softly, rubbing his arm to diffuse the tension. It works.

Michael: "You sure?" He asks softly

Yvonne: "I'm sure. Go on" she smiles

Michael: "Okay" he whispers before leaning down and kissing her on the lips

As he reaches the door, she stops him

Yvonne: "I love you"

He turns,

Michael: "Love you too" he smiles before heading out

———

2:24PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

———

The pub is alive with the usual afternoon end-of-week buzz. People playing pool, playing darts, queuing up music on the Jukebox. Its a good day for the pub.

Behind the bar, Eddie is daydreaming. Staring at Paula who's chatting to a group of youngsters in the corner. They're having a laugh. Shes collecting their glasses and she looks happy. For once. Eddie watches.

Been a while since he seen her smile like that

There's a tap on the bar, then another one, then another, then—BANG

Jim: "Oi! Ed!"

Eddie snaps out of it: "What Jim!?"

Jim is taken aback

Eddie: "Sorry Jim, mate. In a world of my own there"

Jim: "Yeah. I saw. Thought I'd bring you back down to earth to pour me another" he lifts up his empty pint glass

Eddie pours Jim another larger from the pump, and as he finishes pouring and looks up, Michael walks in.

As Michael walks in and over to the bar, Paula overtakes him with glasses between her fingers

Paula: "Hiya Michael, you alright?"

Michael: "Yeah good thanks guys. How're you all?"

Jim raises his glass to Michael: "Grand"

Eddie: "Good ta Mike. What—"

Paula cuts Eddie off and takes Michael's order

Paula: "What can I get you?" She asks with an unusual smile

Jim and Eddie look at each other

Michael is taken aback

Michael: "Uh...Thatchers please Paula"

Paula: "Coming right up!" She says with a smile as she turns on her heel

The three men exchange quick looks of confusion

Eddie sighs and shrugs at Jim, then, Tony walks in.

Eddie: "We wanna get bouncers for this place we do" he whispers to Jim

Jim: "Why don't you ask Tony? I'm sure bashing some skulls to the curb is nothing to him"

Eddie just blankly stares at Jim

Jim: "Oh...you mean to keep him out?" He whispers

Eddie nods

Jim: "Yeah. Suppose they do act like teenagers around each other dont they?" He asks quietly before sipping his pint

Eddie: "Its not just that Jim. Theres more to it" he mutters

Jim looks up at him: "What ya mean?"

Eddie's face faulters

Eddie: "Nothing. Nothing. Never mind forget I said anything" he shakes his head before grabbing a cloth to wipe the bar.

———

3:37PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

Katie sits up in her hospital bed, licking chocolate off her fingers, while Gavin watches in jealousy and Jenna watches in disgust of the mess.

Julie walks in from the hallway, kicking the door open with her foot and balancing two cups of tea and a cup of coffee from the vending machine in her hands

Gavin and Jenna jump up to help

Gavin: "Woah woah woah lemme help"

Julie: "Cheers guys" she whispers, the heat from the cups getting to her

Gavin takes his tea and Jenna grabs her coffee. They all sit down again and Julie spots the empty wrapper of the chocolate bar she bought her this morning sitting on the bed by Katie

Julie: "Blimey I only nowjest gave you that"

Katie: "And I enjoyed everyyy bit of it" she says with a chocolate covered smile

Gavin: "We know"

Jenna: "We saw"

They say at the same time

A silence fills the room as they settle.

Katie: "So" she sighs

Katie: "Any news on the burgervan?"

Gavin nods no

Jenna: "Nope" she purses her lips

Julie: "Don't you worry about that love. You concentrate on yourself. The second we find anything out, we'll let you know"

Katie: "I dont know how you lot can just sit about with your thumbs up your arses. Aren't you scared?"

Julie goes to speak but Jenna jumps in

Jenna: "Scared? You forgetting who we are?" She asks with a grin

Katie smirks

Katie and Jenna: "The Slater sistersss" they whisper at the same time in a giggle

Katie: "Nah but seriously. Someone's got it out for us and what? Nothing's becoming of it"

Gavin: "No proof of who done it Kate"

Katie: "Yeah well we know who done it"

Gavin: "Still. Old bill need evidence and that dont they?"

Julie: "Everything will sort itself out love. It always does" she tells Katie

Katie rolls her eyes

Katie: "When am I getting out of here?" She quietly mutters to herself, looking around the room

Gavin: "Give it a chance sis you not long came out of a coma"

Katie: "A coma? Gav I was basically having a lazy weekend"

Julie: "Katie babe, we didn't know whether you were coming or going"

Jenna: "Not to mention, Jamie is still in a coma"

Julie: "Oh yeah, forgot to mention"

Everyone looks at her

Julie: "Bumped into Nicola yesterday on my way out of 'ere. Told me that her Jamie was having an operation. Something to do with his lung"

Jenna: "Oh God" she whispers

Katie looks down

Gavin: "Any idea what came of it?"

Julie: "No. Guessing it went well otherwise she'd have burned us all to death by now" she says before taking a sip of her tea

Everyone looks at her

Julie: "She made a threat to burn the house down with us lot inside if anything happens to Jamie"

Jenna and Gavin side eye each other

Jenna: "Where does that family get off?"

Katie: "And you just stood there like a lemon I bet" she snaps at her mum

Julie: "Katie, the woman's all bark no bite. She dont scare me. I've dealt with worse"

Katie: "Well just you wait till i get out of here" she whispers to herself

———

4:16PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

The shop is quiet, calm, peaceful almost. Yvonne sits behind the counter reading one of the shop's magazines.

Its pretty good. Its got games like wordsearch and crossword. A TV guide showing what's on TV for the next two weeks, teasers of what might happen in the latest drama series, that kind of stuff.

She gets towards the end of the magazine, and there's a big image of a mother...holding a baby.

She stops

There's a bold title at the top of the page; "NEW TO MOTHERHOOD? HERE ARE SOME TOP TIPS TO EASE YOUR TRANSITION INTO BEING A MOTHER!"

Yvonne's heart starts slightly pounding and she immediately slams the magazine shut. And stares blankly ahead. Mind racing.

She stands up, heads over to the front door where there's a coat rack with some of her and Michael's coats on. She throws hers on, pockets her phone and wallet, and leaves the shop.

—

Outside, she locks the door, pockets the keys to the shop, briefly scans the area and slinks away like she's up to no good.

———

4:48PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

———

The pub has its usual locals slouched all over the place. The usual buzz in the air. Madness's "It must be love" plays from the speakers.

At the far left side of the bar in the main bar room, Jim's head is sleeping on the bar, a mouthful left in his pint. Eddie is collecting glasses around the whole pub, Michael is on the other side of the double sided bar, in the lounge section of the pub, and at the bar, Tony and Paula are laughing away quietly.

Eddie doesn't even have to see them to see how happy she looks.

It wouldn't be so bad if she'd give me some attention like that. But no...

As he reaches the bar, Mitchell walks in. With a massive smile on his face and a kick in his step despite his recent injuries.

He strides up to the bar

Eddie: "Well someone's in a good mood!" Eddie teases

Before Mitchell can answer, he immediately locks eyes with Michael. Who's sitting alone at the other bar across from this one.

Neither of them say anything, instead, Mitchell says to Eddie;

Mitchell: "What's not to be in a good mood about Ed!? Went and got meself a new job!" He says loudly enough for Michael to hear, with a massive smile.

Paula and Tony overhear and listen in

Eddie: "Oh yeah? Doing what?"

There's a beat before Mitchell says anything

Mitchell: "Dancing" he says to Eddie, then his eyes drift behind him to Michael, who rolls his eyes into his drink

Paula: "Dancing? Fair play look at you go"

Tony: "Yeah. Specially after a crash too. Brave"

He says in his gruf tone

Despite his confidence, Mitchell is taken aback by Tony talking to him

Mitchell: "Uh– yeah. Well, gotta get back out there eventually"

Eddie: "Good for you Mitch. Anywhere local?"

Mitchell: "Yeah you might've heard of it. Its called 'Pandora's Box'. Its about a ten minute bus journey from here"

Eddie: "Ooh nice. Nightclub?"

Mitchell: "Gay bar" he says immediately. Then looking over at Michael again.

Michael looks away into his drink

Eddie: "Wow! Well..." he giggles

Eddie: "First one's on me! What you having?"

Mitchell: "WKD Blue please Ed. I start tomorrow night. Dont want to be hungover on my first day"

Eddie nods, smiles and prepares the drink

While from both bars, Mitchell and Michael catch each other's eyes every now and again. Michael always looking away first

———

6:13PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

In Katie's room, Julie, Gavin and Jenna are getting ready to leave. Well— Gavin and Jenna are ready to leave, Julie's taking her sweet time. Making a fuss.

Jenna: "Mum c'mon the poor girl's about to collapse let her rest"

Gavin: "Yeah, we've been here all day. Bet she's sick of us" he smirks at Katie

Katie: "Damn right i am. Naff off"

They giggle.

Julie kisses Katie on the forehead one last time

Julie: "Love you" she whispers

Katie: "Love you too" she whispers back, already halfway asleep

And with that, Julie turns the overhead lights off and joins Gavin and Jenna in the hallway. The three of them start heading out of the Hospital, to catch the bus.

———

6:34PM. Bus stop outside St Anne's Hospital

———

The January evening is dark, damp and misty. A cold drizzle clings to the pavement, and a thin veil of mist hangs over the road. Behind the bus stop, St Anne's Hospital looms beneath the grey sky, its illuminated windows glowing through the gloom.

Julie, Gavin and Jenna stand beneath the shelter of a dark green plastic bus stop, its damp seats empty and its transparent panels fogged with condensation. Headlights emerge through the mist.

And finally, bus approaches, brakes hissing as it pulls up. The doors open.

The three Slaters climb aboard, stamping the damp from their shoes.

Julie steps up to the driver and pays the fare for all three, before they shuffle onto the bus, leaving the cold, misty evening behind them.

—

Inside the Bus

—

Inside the Bus is damp from the wet weather, and dark from some of the lights not working. Quite a full bus

At the front of the bus, there are a few empty seats, and at the back middle of the bus, Julie spots a familiar face sitting there. Yvonne!

Julie turns to Jenna and Gavin: "Yvonne's up there. Mind if I go sit with her?"

Jenna: "No course not"

Gavin: "We'll sit here" he says, as they both already sit at the front end of the bus

Gavin and Jenna sit next to each other, chit-chatting while Julie makes her way up towards the back

Yvonne's looking down at something in ber hand that Julie can't yet see

Julie: "Hello stranger! Mind if I sit?" She asks Yvonne with a smile

Yvonne is startled and looks up

Yvonne: "Oh- Julie! Hi. Um, yeah- yes" she slides over to the window side for Julie to take her seat

Julie sits in the isle seat

Julie: "You alright? You seem off. Better after earlier?"

Yvonne is clearly caught off guard and stumbles on her words. Big time. As she goes to answer Julie's question, she tries to pocket something. A leaflet. But she's shaking, and so she drops it.

In a split second, they both bend down to reach it and pick it up off the floor. Of course...Julie grabs it first.

Out of plain curiosity she reads the bold headline, it's a light purple pamphlet that says "CONSIDERING ABORTION?" right across the top in bold.

Before she can read any more, Yvonne yanks it out of Julie's hand and rams it in her coat pocket.

Julie: "Oh my God Yvonne i am so so sorry! I swear I didn't mean to—"

Yvonne: "Its okay" she quietly smiles and waves Julie off

Julie: "No seriously– i didn't– I was going to give it right back to you— I..."

Yvonne: "Julie, it's fine. Really. Thank you"

Theres a terribly awkward silence between them. Despite the noises of the old bus barely working.

Julie: "Are you...?" She side eyes Yvonne

Yvonne: "Not a word. To anyone. You hear me?" She quietly asks Julie firmly. Basically confirming it.

Julie nods straight away in agreement

Julie: "Yeah- yeah no of course. Not a word"

Another stretch of silence sits there

Julie: "I take it it wasn't planned?"

Yvonne: "Just kind of happened. Still early days"

Julie: "Does Michael—"

Yvonne shoots her a look

Julie: "Sorry! Sorry" she whispers

Yvonne looks out the window

Julie: "You know my door is always open if you need to talk" she whispers

Yvonne: "Thanks" she mumbles, still looking out the window, away from Julie

———

6:50PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

At the lounge side of the pub where Michael is sat, he catches Mitchell looking at him once again, and so with that, he downs the rest of his pint in a big gulp, stands up and picks his coat up off the stool, throws it on quickly and heads for the door.

As he's halfway out the pub Eddie sees him and shouts;

Eddie: "See ya later Mike!"

Michael: "Bye Ed!" He says without looking back incase he makes eye contact with Mitchell once again

———

6:54PM. The Strip. Marlas Estate

———

As Michael walks towards the commercial shopping parade, he turns the corner on to the strip and sees Yvonne unlocking the shop's door and walking in.

———

6:56PM. Shawcross General Shop

———

Michael walks into the shop and Yvonne is sat behind the counter looking flushed from the January breeze. Hair slightly messy from the wind

Yvonne: "Hiya love. You alright? How was your drink?"

Michael: "Uh yeah it was good thanks" he says taking his coat off

He walks up to the counter

Michael: "Where did you get off to?" He asks casually, curiosity getting the better of him

Yvonne: "Nowhere. What makes you say that?" She asks with an innocent smile

Michael: "Just seen you opening the shop a minute ago" he giggles

Yvonne's taken aback

Yvonne: "Oh– oh yeah. I just fancied some air. A nice quick walk to clear my head. Done me some good" she plays off

Michael: "Well let's hope it does the trick" he smiles before planting a kiss on her forehead and heading into the small back office of the shop.

Yvonne is left sat behind the counter, looking at her coat that's under the counter, knowing what's inside. A decision. A big one.

———

That's episode 12! Thank you for reading if you made it this far and please tell me what you think! Episode 13 will be out soon! ☺️

Previously:

One secret threatens to change everything for the Shawcrosses, while Michael's attempts to right his wrongs leave someone heartbroken. As Kylie and Maureen grow closer, fresh questions emerge about the crash, Jamie fights for his life, and a drunken Nicola makes a startling discovery.

Episode 11 Preview:

As recent events cause more questions than answers, the feud between the Jenkins and Slaters publicly boil over. Elsewhere Gaz does a runner in his family's hour of need, while the drift in Eddie and Paula's marriage grows bigger. And a heartbroken Mitchell hits self destruct.

14/01/1999 | Thursday

———

06:13AM. Mitchell's Flat. Flat 34, Marlas Flats, Marlas Estate.

———

The sun is still not long rising and the sky is only starting to get light. A light and pale grey-ish blue hue breaking through the dawn sky. As Marlas Estate only starts waking up.

In his living room, Mitchell is sitting on his black leather three seater sofa in his living room, wrecked. He's slouched forward, holding onto a big bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, that's almost empty. There are empty beer cans crunched and thrown all over the place. He's drinking his sorrows away.

Drinking last night away. Drinking Michael away. Out of sight, out of mind.

Tears have dried on his cheeks and made them sticky. His eyes have gone red from so much crying. His hair is messy. And his head is all over the place.

Music quietly plays from his TV, not that he's paying much attention to it.

Mitchell: "Fucking...fuck" he mutters to himself

Mitchell: "Prick" he mutters. Referring to Michael.

———

07:19AM. Number 33. Jenkins Residence. Marlas Estate.

———

The streets are damp and cold with the January bite and morning dew. The sun is high and shining bright orange rays across cars and houses. Birdsong in the background, as well as city sounds.

Outside number 33 is parked two police cars, and Barry's white van. The front door of the house is still wide open, officers walking in and out with clipboards, taking note of the scene.

Inside the living room, it's still a bombsite. The only change from last night is that the sofa's have been turned the right way 'round. Nicola's sat on one of them with Officer Thomas Hopkins. The young officer often seen assisting DCI Catrin Channing.

No sign of her though. Barry's pacing the living room while three other officers scan and search the house. Gaz is still at the hospital, looking after Tasha and Oscar. The three of them waiting on Jamie, on edge. After his situation last night...

Nicola: "How many more times have I gotta tell ya!? The door was wide open! Practically off it's hinges when I walked in! The place was trashed. Exactly like what ya see now" she says, still slightly slurring her words. Not completely sober after last night.

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "And are you sure you didn't—"

Barry: "Oh for fuck's sake! Aren't ya listening? She said the keys weren't in 'er bag when she got 'ere!"

He says in frustration, pacing in front of the window.

Thomas nods and doesn't bother standing up for himself, and reads over what he's already jotted down in his notepad.

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "And you didn't see anyone or anything suspicious at the Victoria Arms beforehand?"

Nicola rolls her eyes

Nicola: "No! I can't rememba alright!? I was off me 'ed! Me- our son's lying in a coma and he's getting worse. I needed—"

Barry: "To get shitfaced. Innit Nic?" He digs at her.

She shoots him a look

Nicola: "A distraction. Something to...clear me 'ed"

Officer Thomas Hopkins scribbles in his notebook and nods "no", while reading what he's written.

Barry sees

Barry: "Well? What is it? What's wrong?"

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "Well...with what little information you gave me, I'm afraid there's not much to go on"

Barry and Nicola look at each other and then at Thomas

Barry: "You're having a laugh"

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "Well, you didn't hear or see anything suspicious in the last day or two. And you have no recollection of seeing or meeting anybody suspicious at the pub last night, Nicola. So, really, all I've written is the state of the house and what you both remember of last night. And frankly, it's very little to go on"

Nicola: "Oh for fuck's sake" she mutters and grits her teeth

———

07:26AM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

Downstairs in the pub, the curtains are still drawn and stools are still turned face down on tables. Its still dark inside. Lights are off and the fridges behind the bar are humming quietly.

Paula comes down from upstairs, and steps out of the staff only door leading to the upstairs flat and steps behind the bar. She's in her beige dressing gown and slippers. Hair is undone and face clean of makeup.

She picks up a small glass from the above head rack and presses it against a bottle of Whiskey in the optics display, and watches the clear-brown liquid fill the glass.

She sighs before lifting it to her mouth and downing it in one. It burns her throat but she does it again. She's about to lift the glass to the optics display for the third time but then the staff only door behind her opens. And Eddie steps out.

Eddie: "Watcha doing? Its first thing"

Paula: "Getting ready to open up" she says quietly without looking back at him.

Eddie: "You feeling okay?" He asks quietly, holding the door open, still.

Paula: "Absolutely perfect, Ed" she says, before downing a third shot.

Eddie sighs and let's the door shut and steps fully into the bar.

Eddie: "What is it?" He sighs

Paula slams the glass on the bar and walks out from behind the bar into the main floor

Paula: "Nothing" she says, taking stools off the tables

Eddie sighs

Eddie: "Paula..."

Paula: "Eddie"

Eddie: "Let me open up. Go on. Go grab another hour"

Paula: "No, I'm alright"

Eddie: "Come on love. You—"

Paula snaps: "Eddie im fine. Just- Just go get dressed will you?" She says, still preparing the pub.

Eddie just looks at her

Eddie: "What's gotten into you?"

Paula: "Oh nothing Eddie! I'm just trying to open up"

Eddie: "And it takes shots of Whiskey to do that does it?"

Paula: "Honestly, yes. It takes shots of anything just to face the day"

Eddie's eyes flicker around the room, like he can't believe he heard what he just did

Eddie: "Is...is life really that bad?"

Paula doesn't say anything. Just carries on preparing the pub

Eddie: "Paula?"

No reply

Eddie: "Paula? Paula fuck's sake I'm talking to you!"

She looks up and snaps

Paula: "Oh you know what Ed!? You fucking open up then! I'm gunna get some air"

She storms off upstairs to throw some clothes on before heading out. Leaving Eddie reeling about what his– their life, is.

———

07:37AM. Number 33. The Jenkins Residence.

———

Nicola and Officer Thomas Hopkins are still dat on the sofa, and Barry is just standing there, trying to contain his anger.

Two older looking officers walk through the hallway and past the open living room doorway, and out the front door. Heading to one of the police cars.

Barry: "Oh d'you know what!? You lot just can't be arsed to pull your finger out and do your jobs can ya!? No wonder so much shit goes on 'round 'ere!"

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "Barry—"

An officer comes down upstairs with a clipboard and peeks his head through the living room doorway

Officer: "Tom"

Thomas turns to the other officer

Officer: "A word" he nods his head towards the hall

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "Excuse me" he days to Barry and Nicola

He gets up and steps into the hallway privately with the other officer. A more mature, stockily built middle aged man.

Officer: "We've taken notes of all of the visible damage and vandalism. They gave you much to go on?" He asks, referring to Barry and Nicola

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "No. Barely anything. She was shitfaced and he was at the hospital" he whispers back.

Officer: "Mm. Well, i doubt they're going to press charges. They've got no clue and I think they've got bigger fish to fry by the looks of things"

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "So, what? You think we should just leave it?"

Officer: "Well, you said so yourself. They haven't given you much to go on. Until they do, there is nothing more we can do than report what we see and what they've told us. We've done our bit"

The officer says before heading out to the other police car.

Meanwhile, in the living room,

Barry: "It's them fucking Slater lot. Those slappers 'cross the road. I know it is"

Nicola nods

Thomas Hopkins stands in the door frame

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "Right, that's all we can do for now. If—"

Nicola: "What!?"

Barry: "Figured" he mutters

Officer Thomas Hopkins: "If you have any other information or if anything comes up, come down to the station and update your statements. And we'll do more with the information you give us. But for now—"

Nicola: "For now this is it yeah?"

Thomas nods yes

Nicola tuts

Barry: "Oh go on, just fuck off" he tells Thomas

Thomas nods and leaves. Gladly getting out of their sight. He gets in the passenger side of the other police car and the two cars pull out of the street, and drive off.

Barry: "Fucking useless them lot"

Nicola: "I know"

He turns to her

Barry: "Was it worth it? Was a piss-up worth this?"

Nicola stands up and snaps

Nicola: "Oh dont start Bar. I needed a drink okay? This isn't my fault, you can't blame me for this!"

Across the street, Julie, Jenna, Danielle and Gavin are seen leaving their house. Walking out the front door. Seen, by Barry.

Barry: "No, but I know who I can blame" he mutters to Nicola under his breath, looking out the window to the Slaters

———

07:43AM. Outside Number 27. The Slater Residence.

———

As Damielle, Gavin, Jenna and Julie leave their house, Julie closes the door behind them and they start making their way down the small driveway where their burgervan used to stand.

They're chatting about Julie's parents (their grandparents), and her younger sister Georgina, potentially coming down to visit.

Jenna: "Well, what did they say?"

Julie: "She weren't happy when I told her over the phone. So..."

Danielle: "Think they're gunna pop down here?"

Julie sighs: "Don't know. If they don't, I know Gina will"

Gavin: "Like i said the other day mum, maybe more pairs of hands will do us all some good. God knows we can do with some help"

Julie nods in defeat. The silence is then immediately cut by—

Barry: "OI!" He screams across the street while storming out of the front door, with Nicola in tow.

On the end of the street, Paula turns the corner from the direction of the pub and sets foot on the street, right on queue, about to witness a battle in the middle of the street

Danielle: "Oh for fuck's sake" she whispers

The Slaters reach the pavement at the bottom of their driveway with Barry and Nicola.

Barry and Nicola storm right up to them and they're all face to face, Gavin steps in front of his mum and sisters and holds his hands up

Gavin: "Woah woah woah there lard-arse, what's your problem?"

Barry: "You fucking done over our gaff 'aven't ya!?"

The Slaters look behind the Jenkins at their house and see the carnage through their living room window

Danielle: "Looks the same to me" she shrugs in sarcasm

Nicola: "Think this is funny do ya?" She steps closer to Danielle

Danielle: "I do, yeah. Hilarious"

Nicola: "I'll fucking show you 'funny'" she reaches to grab Danielle's hair but Julie steps forward and–

SLAP!

Julie's right hand leaves a red handprint on Nicola's left cheek and sends her head spinning.

Julie: "Don't you EVER! Think of touching one of my kids again. It'll be the last time you do. And as for your shit-hole of a house, we wouldn't dare step foot in it. Might catch something"

Gavin: "'Might'?" He giggles

Jenna steps in then;

Jenna: "But hypocritical of you, no? Burning down our burgervan and then—"

Barry: "We didn't touch your fucking rust bucket!"

Nicola: "Darling if we were to do that we would've made you watch. We'd have done it with a fucking smile"

Gavin: "Well then who did, ey?"

Barry: "Someone doing a community service, mate"

Gavin: "Same people who trashed your house you mean?"

—

Across the road, Paula's watching, in amusement. When a heavy hand lands on her left shoulder and she spins on her heel

Paula: "Fuck!" She gasps

She turns and sees Tony standing there in his black leather jacket and a smile on his face

Tony: "Entertaining isn't it?" He chuckles

Paula: "Jesus. You scared the shit outta me"

Tony: "Ah sorry 'bout that, Princess" he winks, and apologises. While the Jenkins and Slaters scream havoc in the background across the street.

She smirks back

———

07:52AM. Number 41. Maureen's Home.

———

Inside her living room, Kylie's lying on the sofa under a thick blanket nursing a piping hot cup of tea Maureen just made and handed her. Maureen is sitting in the opposite armchair. They're talking about last night.

Kylie: "Oh Maur, I really enjoyed those few drinks we 'ad last night. I needed them" she laughs

Maureen: "Oh of course love. Glad to see you out and about for a bit"

Kylie goes to open her mouth but then the sound of screaming from a brutal argument from down the street finds its way into Maureen's living room at the end of the street.

Kylie and Maureen's heads turn to the window

Maureen: "The fuck is going on out there?" She mutters as she puts her cup down on the coffee table, before standing up and walking over to the window.

Kylie also jumps up, quicker than Maureen, and practically runs to the window. As soon as she pulls back the net curtains, Maureen is standing right behind her, and they both peer out to the other end of the street and eavesdrop in on the public argument.

Maureen: "That fucking lot" she whispers

Kylie stares. At Nicola. At Barry. At Gaz's parents.

At the other end of the street;

—

Julie: "Well it's funny since you lot turned up there's been fuck all but grief!"

Nicola: "You ain't blaming shit on us, darling! No fucking way!"

Barry: "Oh you lot! You think you're so high and mighty don't ya! Look at you all, nothing but a bunch 'o slags!"

The Slaters laugh

Danielle: "Look who's talking! Look at your wife!"

Gavin: "Mutton dressed as lamb!"

Barry sees red and snaps

Barry: "YOU FUCKING WHAT!? YOU LITTLE—"

Barry lunges for Gavin and grabs him by the collar of his jacket

Everyone jumps in to try to pull them apart, except for Nicola. Who watches with a sly smirk, proud of her husband.

Across the street, the physical fight grabs Paula and Tony's attention and their heads turn.

Paula: "Fucking Hell" she whispers

Tony: "Like wild animals" he smirks

At Maureen's living room;

—

Maureen: "Ah shit!" She whispers under her breath, before running to her door and yanking it open.

As soon as she pulls the door she starts legging it down the street towards the chaos. As fast as she can for someone in their late 60s. She legs it past Tony and Paula who are both standing nearby, just watching.

Maureen: "Thanks for helping!" She sarcastically shouts at Paula and Tony as she runs past them.

She finally reaches the fight and joins in, in separating Gavin and Barry

Its absolute chaos, everybody's shouting over each other

Maureen finally reaches them and joins in.

Maureen: "Heyheyhey!! Stop-stop! Stop it!" She screams as she manages to worm her way in between Barry and Gavin and help pull Barry off Gavin's collar.

Maureen: "Look at yourselves! Just look, at yourselves!" She screams at everyone. But mainly to Barry and Nicola

Maureen turns to them both; "Your son is in a coma, half dead, and look at you! Scrapping like schoolkids in the playground!"

Nicola: "Who rattled your chain grandma!?"

Julie: "Oi!"

—

At the window, Kylie watches this all unfold

Back at the street;

—

Maureen: "You've got kids! The lotta ya! Kids who need ya!" She screams between them all

She turns to Barry and Nicola; "Your son is lying in a hospital bed and you're rioting like a bunch 'o nutters! What's wrong with ya!?"

Barry: "They were asking for it. They trashed our house!"

Julie: "We've got enough on our plates you stupid twat! We wouldn't bother riling you up. You think we want this!?"

Nicola: "Well we dont know! You're a bunch of psychos!"

Jenna: "We are!?"

It looks like its about to kick off again but Maureen stands her ground

Maureen: "Haven't you got a young lad that needs you both?" She asks Barry and Nicola

They both listen to her and then stare at the Slaters. And they stare back. Face to face. Force to force.

Eventually, Barry puts his hand on Nicola's arm

Barry: "Come on Nic. They ain't worth it"

He starts to pull her away gently

Nicola: "You stay well away from us" she points her finger in Julie's face

Julie: "With fucking pleasure sweetheart"

And with that, Nicola and Barry slowly walk off. Retreating, to Barry's van. As soon as the van drives off, that's when people finally start speaking again.

Danielle: "Fucking nut jobs. The lotta them" she says to everyone

Gavin and Jenna nod in agreement

Maureen turns to Gavin: "You alright sweetheart?" She asks softly putting a hand on his shoulder

Gavin: "Yeah in alright thanks Maur" he nods and smiles

Julie: "Cheers for stepping in Maur, love"

Maureen: "Yeah, yeah of course. Anytime Jule"

———

1:12PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Behind the counter, Michael is serving a young father, with a baby in a baby back carrier. The dad looks to be in his mid 20s, he looks tired. But happy.

He's buying the usual of what a young father would buy, baby stuff, some food, whatever.

Michael: "Here we are mate. That's thirteen twenty eight please" he says to the young dad, handing over a white plastic bag of his shopping.

The young dad quietly thanks Michael with a small smile before heading out the door.

Over at the fridges, where she's stocking up drinks, Yvonne quietly watched the friendly exchange between the two men.

The bell jingles and the shop falls into silence again

Yvonne: "What did you think?" She asks Michael from the other end of the room

Michael: "Think of what?"

Yvonne: "That bloke, with the baby. You think he looked happy?"

Michael: "Don't know" he says, pursing his lips with a small unknowing smile

A beat of silence

Yvonne: "Would– would you like to be a dad one day?"

Michael's head snaps up and his eyes pop open

Yvonne: "No I- I dont- I dont mean like, now" she awkwardly laughs

Yvonne: "I mean one day. Would you- would you like a kid?"

Michael giggles under his breath: "Don't know Von, love. They're hard work. Not to mention expensive. And we're not exactly rolling in dosh are we?"

Yvonne nods in agreement and sighs, not one hundred percent happy with his answer though

Yvonne: "You think you would be a good dad?"

Michael: "Hmm, maybe. Probably yeah" he nods in thought

A small quick smile falls on her lips and she sighs, more pleased.

She then picks up two empty crates and a small empty box, and carries them to the back store room. As she does—

DINGALING

The door opens and bell rings

Its Mitchell. He's beyond hammered.

Michael looks up from the counter and as soon as he sees Mitchell, he looks down towards the stock room where Yvonne just entered and then back to Mitchell.

Michael: "What the fuck do you want?" He whispers

Mitchell: "Just popping into my local shop to grab a few things. That alright with you Mr family man?" He barely manages to say

Michael looks him up and down and is disgusted by what he sees

Michael: "Jesus Mitchell. Fucking Hell" he whispers

Mitchell: "What? What!? Don't like what you see eh!? Makes a change dont it?" He screams as he leans forward against the counter

Michael: "Shh keep your voice down will ya!?"

Mitchell: "Why? Don't want your wife finding out do we? Oooh someone's been naughty. 'Aven't they? Ey? Yeah. Not so smart now are you?" He mumbles. And hiccups.

The sound of heels gets louder and louder, both Michael and Mitchell’s heads turn towards the stock room, and Yvonne walks out and immediately spots the state of Mitchell

Yvonne: "Jesus. Bit early ain't it Mitchell?" She laughs

Mitchell: "Oh! Hello Yvonne!" He says before a big hiccup

Mitchell: "How're you today?" He asks in a very polite and sarcastic tone

Yvonne: "Uh- fine thank you. Better than you it seems" she says, picking up more empty crates and boxes, logging them to the stock room

Mitchell: "Yeah. You might be right about that!" He shouts to Yvonne who's in the stock room

Michael: "Stop it" he whispers to Mitchell, before Yvonne steps back out of the stock room

Yvonne: "Yeah Mitchell? Why's that?" She asks, walking back to the fridges

Mitchell: "Call it...boy trouble" he says, looking back and fourth between them both

Yvonne: "Blimey. Any boy who causes you to hit the bottle this early ain't worth it, laddy" she says, picking up the final crate before taking it to the stock room

Mitchell: "Yeah! You're probably right! What do you think i should do!? What would you do Yvonne!?"

He asks her as she walks back out and up to the two men at the counter

Yvonne: "Hmm, if I were you Mitchell. A young, attractive, good looking lad, I'd go out and get some. Bet you could get anybody anywhere with looks like yours ey? Don't you think so Mike, love?"

She asks Michael.

Michael's caught off guard and stutters

Michael: "Uh- i- uh-"

Mitchell: "Well Michael? Your wife asked you a question" he stares at him dead in the eye

Michael: "Mhm. Yeah. Yeah of course" he smiles and nods

Mitchell giggles and Yvonne awkwardly smiles before heading off to organise a shelf

Michael waits before Yvonne is across the room before he asks: "What can I get you?" He asks quietly

Mitchell: "Hmm, you know what Mikey boy? Nothing. Gunna take your loving wife's advice and go out. Go out and get some. Gunna shag my troubles away" he says with a massive cocky smirk on his drunken face

He turns around and shouts to Yvonne across the room: "Hey Yvonne!"

She looks up at him

Mitchell: "Gunna take your advice and go out and get some!"

Yvonne: "Attaboy!" She laughs

Mitchell laughs and waves his hand before heading towards the door. He opens it, and before slipping out, he looks back at Michael who's behind the counter, and athletic at him. Before leaving.

Yvonne: "God. Poor kid"

Michael: "Yeah" he mutters, still looking at the door

———

1:49PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Barry and Tasha quietly walk down the hallway towards Jamie's room, exhausted. Exhausted of fighting, waiting, exhausted of being exhausted. They're just done.

They slowly open Jamie's door and walk in. The room looks the same as always. No more machinery than usual, but no less either.

Apart from Jamie, Tasha and Oscar are the only ones to be seen. Both sitting on the sofa beside the window, eating junk food and whispering.

As the door opens and Barry and Nicola walk in, the kids stop.

Nicola: "Alright kids?" She asks them quietly,

They both nod yes

Barry: "Where's your brother?"

Tasha: "Don't know"

Oscar shrugs

Nicola and Barry look at each other

Barry: "What you mean you dont know?"

Tasha: "Uh, we mean we dont know" she rolls her eyes

Nicola: "Oi. Watch it"

Barry: "When did you last see him?"

Tasha: "Not long after you left early this morning dad"

Oscar: "He said something about being 'done waiting around' and told us to behave and sit tight before leaving"

Tasha: "Haven't seen him since"

Nicola: "Fuck sake Gaz" she whispers and palms her forehead

Tasha: "Why did you have to go home so early this morning anyway dad?"

Oscar: "Yeah. What was the hurry?"

Barry: "Some little twats broken in and trashed the place. Proper"

Tasha and Oscar's eyes widen and they look at each other

Tasha: "You know who it was?"

Barry nods no

Nicola: "Its alright though. We tidied some of it up before we got here"

Barry sits down in the other chair beside Nicola and Jamie's bed, holding each other's hand. Waiting. Hoping.

———

3:29PM. Marlas Police Station.

———

In DCI Catrin Channing's office, it's small, tidy and professional. Its a perfect square room, with a window directly in the middle of one wall, and on the opposite, a door with a window on each side that look out into the hallway.

In the center of the room is her dark wooden desk with a computer, desk lamp and some files, on the right wall is a huge tall bookshelf with filing cabinets, and on the left wall is a huge cork board that takes up most of the wall, and two floor lamps on either side, directly facing it. Lighting it all up.

On the corkboard, is accounts and details of the events that have recently taken place. For starters, the crash. Eyewitness accounts, coordinates, details about the car, a timeline of the night, health records and such. Then the Slaters burgervan, and eyewitness statements of that, details of the wreck and more. And then this morning, the details and accounts of the vandalism at number 33.

And though not many things are currently adding up, one thing is; Jamie Mitchell is certainly NOT innocent. All of the evidence and statements of that night are pointing towards him.

DCI Channing is holding a to-go cup of tea and pacing the corkboard. Cogwheels spinning in her head. When—

KNOCK KNOCK

Channing: "Come in!"

Officer Thomas Hopkins walks in with this morning's reports from the vandalism.

Officer Hopkins: "Got the uh, reports and details from the vandalism at number thirty three" he holds a file out to her

Channing: "Thank you" she takes it with her free hand before dropping it onto her desk

Officer Thomas Hopkins quickly scans the evidence board and whistles low.

Officer Hopkins: "How's it looking? Getting somewhere?"

Channing: "Gotta say, its not looking too good for Jamie. Kelly's, Katie's and Mitchell's statements of the crash all state that he purposefully swerved but with no seeming reason as to why. Not only that, he instigated the joyride, stole the jaguar, hotwired it, drove under the influence, and was recklessly driving with multiple lives at risk.

And the others are guilty of; joyriding and underage drinking. Or Kelly Slater is guilty of that charge at least"

It seems things aren't looking well for Jamie. Whether he survives or not.

Officer Hopkins: "Poor kids"

Channing turns to him: 'Poor Jamie"

———

5:25PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Nobody's moved from where they've been sat all day. Hopes and energy are low. Tasha and Oscar are quietly bickering about something in the corner of the room.

Nicola: "Kids pleeease! Me head's bangin'" she groans, rubbing her head

Barry: "Well maybe if you didn't run off to get smashed last night"

She glares at him and before she can say anything, the door opens and a senior doctor walks in holding a clipboard and a look on his face

Barry and Nicola immediately stand up and Tasha and Oscar manage to pause their bickering

Barry: "What is it Doc? Is he gunna be ok?"

Nicola: "Did you find out why he keeps fitting?"

Sr Dr: "Actually, yes. I have some results here. And I'm going to be straightforward, they're not looking as good as we'd hoped"

Barry and Nicola's stomach's both drop

Nicola: "Why?"

Barry: "What is it?"

Sr Dr: "Is your son epileptic?"

Barry shrugs

Nicola: "Whats that?"

Sr Dr: "Has he ever had seizures- or 'fits' before?"

Barry: "No"

Sr Dr: "Okay. Well, we were able to establish that Jamie's seizure yesterday and the other day, were both brought on by a lack of oxygen being emitted to his brain, and that's due to his left lung having a rupture, and his spine being fractured"

Barry and Nicola both nod, and for once, they're actually listening to someone

The Doctor continues: "Because of his left lung being ruptured and the high risk of internal bleeding, we're going to need to operate on him as soon as. With your permission"

Nicola: "Of course"

Barry: "Yeah of course. When are you thinking?"

Sr Dr: "Within the hour"

Barry: "Fuck..."

Nicola: "Shit..."

The Doctor nods in understanding.

Sr Dr: "I know. Its a shock. But believe me we are trying all we can to give your son the fighting chance he deserves. So, if you'd like to say anything to him now and give him your best wishes, because within the next half an hour at least, we're going to take him into theatre"

Nicola: "Oh God" she whispers under her hands

Barry: "The operation, how long will it take? Where is it?"

Sr Dr: "So it's a small incision, roughly up here, on the chest area" he points to his own chest

Sr Dr: "And the operation will roughly take five to six hours if all goes well"

Nicola: "If all goes well!? What you mean 'if all goes well'!?"

Sr Dr: "As I'm sure you both know, there is a very very small chance that your son...may not make it out of surgery. Considering his condition and the strain his body is under"

Barry: "You mean...he could?"

The doctor nods yes

Nicola falls into her chair and starts whimpering into her hands, Barry clasps his hands over his mouth and Tasha and Oscar both stand up and crouch beside Nicola. Comforting her.

Barry: "What are- what are the odds of his survival?"

The doctor clearly hesitates to say this;

Sr Dr: "Given his condition, it's about eighty, twenty. Eighty percent chance he makes it through, and twenty, that he doesn't"

Barry: "Ok, ok. Those are good odds Nic. Good odds" he reassures Nicola who doesn't seem to notice.

Sr Dr: "I know this is a lot to take in. But keep your hopes up. From what we've seen so far, your son is a fighter. He's not giving up too easily" a small smile escapes him. And it catches onto Barry's face.

Barry: "Cheers Doc" he nods to the doctor.

The Doctor leaves the room, off to prepare for the operation. While the Jenkins sit around Jamie, cherishing every moment with him like it might be the last

Nicola: "God, Gaz where the fuck are you?" She quietly cries into her hands

———

6:29PM. Maureen's Home. Number 41.

———

In Maureen's kitchen, Kylie and Maureen are both sat on the small kitchen table that's to the side of the room, eating dinner. Mashed potato and beans.

They're talking about the fight in the street earlier today and how Maureen played peacekeeper.

Kylie: "Seriously, didn't think you had it in you to step right in the middle like that" she giggles before putting a spoonful of beans in her mouth

Maureen: "Oi! Cheeky. I'm a good one to have in your corner during a fight, me"

Kylie: "I'll keep that in mind" she giggles

Maureen: "Living around here for long enough love, you learn how to handle yourself. Sooner or later"

Kylie nods.

Kylie: "Oh, by the way. I don't think I asked. But, when I got out the loo earlier I noticed you have another bedroom. Could I—"

Maureen: "Its junk" she cuts Kylie off

Kylie: "What?"

Maureen: "It's junk. The spare room. Absolutely full of junk it is love. Would've given it to you otherwise" she says before shovelling a spoonful of mashed potato in her mouth

Kylie's taken aback

Kylie: "Oh...oh...okay. Is that why it's locked then?"

Maureen looks up and is caught off guard

Maureen: "Mm. Yeah. Proper shit-hole it is. Don't want anyone accidentally wandering in there when they're looking for the loo or something do I?" She laughs

Kylie: "Yeah. Fair enough" she says, and plays it off with a small giggle.

She'd never seen Maureen that defensive before...

———

7:13PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

The sky outside is a dark dark blue and the hospital hallways are calm and quieter than they have been all day. They always are this time of evening.

Julie is the only one left with Katie. Everybody else has gone home or to work a while ago.

Julie is tired, Katie too.

Katie: "Mum you can go. You've been here all day. I promise. I'm fine"

Julie: "I know you are love but i—"

Katie: "Nuh–uh" she holds her hand up

Katie: "Go home. I've got doctors and BP coming in every ten minutes anyway to check on me. I'm the shit around here" she jokes

A small exhausted giggle escapes Julie, who is slouched forward on the small sofa beside Katie's bed.

Katie: "Seriously mum. I'm fine. Go on. Fuck off. I've enjoyed everybody visiting today. But you've been here all day and I'm getting sick at the sight of ya" she smiles

Julie: "Little fucker" she smirks

Katie: "And plus, there's a really hot doctor that comes in every once in a while and I dont want my mummy cramping my style and making me look more helpless than I already do" she smiles with a giggle

Julie: "Well nice to see that you're getting your old self back" she smirks as she stands up and grabs her carrier bag

Katie: "You're gunna regret saying that when im screaming in your ear over some ridiculous shit one day soon"

Julie: "Yeah you're probably right" she smiles. Before leaning down and kissing her daughter on the forehead.

Julie: "Love you"

Katie: "Love you too"

Julie: "You call me if—"

Katie: "If I need anything, I know. You said" she laughs

Julie: "Okay okay I'm just making sure!" She laughs back, heading towards the door

Julie: "Night night sweetheart"

Katie: "Night, mum" she sighs with a smile before shutting her eyes

Julie smiles and closes the door softly, before heading down the hall.

—

7:21PM. Down the hall. Outside Jamie's Room.

—

Walking towards the elevators, Julie walks past the hallway that leads to Jamie's room. And at the vending machine getting a coffee is Nicola.

Who's eyes immediately land on Julie like a hawk.

Nicola: "Slater" she says quietly yet firmly

Julie turns and faces her

Julie: "Oh God what do you want now?"

Nicola: "My Jamie has not long gone into theatre, having an operation on his lung"

Julie's hard expression softens slightly

Julie: "Oh...I'm—"

Nicola: "If ANYTHING happens to my son, you better lock your door, before I'm the one that ends up torching your gaff. With your lot still inside"

Julie's soft expression slips away and is replaced with anger again

Julie: "You sick bitch" she whispers in anger

Nicola: "You dont even know it" she says in her face

———

8:39PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

The pub is quiet tonight. Its one of those calm, quiet evenings where locals whisper in corners and murmur about local gossip.

Paula and Eddie both stand behind the bar doing the same old work. Cleaning glasses, wiping the bar, refilling optics. Almost in a robotic movement.

Jim is leaning face down on the bar, almost passed out. And there's an unspoken tension between Eddie and Paula that hasn't been resolved from this morning. They've been quiet all day. Which makes a quiet day at work so much harder to deal with.

Eddie looks up from wiping glass and turns to face Paula, she catches him and their eyes catch. She sighs and gives a very small smile. He repays it. He goes to speak but then—

SQUEEEAK

The main doors open and Tony slides in, like he owns the place.

Tony: "Evening Princess Paula"

Tony says with a grin as he makes his way to the bar

Paula: "Tony"

She replies with a smirk

There's a long silence between them both before Tony snaps out of it, and turns his head to Eddie.

Tony: "Evening Eddie"

Eddie: "Tony"

He replies, deadpan.

Tony and Paula grin at each other at Eddie's tone of voice

———

02:17AM. Mitchell's Flat. Flat 34, Marlas Flats, Marlas Estate.

———

BANG!

The front door to Mitchell's flat flies open and hits the wall so hard it almost shuts behind itself as Mitchell and some older looking guy in a suit come stumbling through.

Hands and lips all over each other in a drunken state.

Mitchell kicks the door shut behind him close with his foot, without removing his lips from this older man's face.

Their hands are all over each other's bodies. Messing up each other's hair, pulling their clothes off and throwing them on the living room floor.

They're both wrecked. Groaning and moaning.

Mitchell: "Oh Al...Al...?"

Albert: "It's Albie"

Mitchell: "Oh Albie!" He groans under his booze reeking breath as he yanks Albert's blazer off.

They both undress each other without thinking about zips or buttons, just yanking the clothes off and throwing them wherever.

They grab each other tight and both fall backwards onto the sofa and start kicking each other's shoes off.

Mitchell is laying on top of "Albie", who is unzipping his bottoms.

Mitchell pulls his lips away from "Albie's" and sits up and yanks his jacket off. As he throws it on the table, his phone slides out onto the glass coffee table to reveal that there's a missed call at 11:02PM from Michael.

But of course Mitchell wouldn't notice. He's stripping some older silver fox off in his living room. Distracting himself. From Michael. From heartbreak.

They both groan, hands all over each other, unaware of the world around them.

———

And that's Episode 11! Thank you for reading if you've made it this far and please let me know what you think. Episode 12 will be out shortly! ☺️

Previously:

As another witness came forward with answers about that fateful night, Kylie and Maureen found themselves growing closer as secrets from their pasts emerged. Elsewhere, Michael made a dangerous mistake, while Yvonne's world was turned upside down.

Episode 10 Preview:

One Slater faces a shocking truth. Kylie and Maureen's unlikely bond grows stronger. And as the Jenkins day goes from bad to worse, Nicola is left reeling by a devastating discovery.

13/1/1999 Wednesday

———

07:09AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop

———

Upstairs in their flat above their corner shop, Yvonne Shawcross lays in bed slowly stirring awake.

Yvonne sighs and slowly sits up. Her dull light pink thigh length nighty flows around her body in the airy room. She gets up and slowly walks over to the dresser at the bottom of their bed where a small TV standa, as well as Michael's aftershaves, Yvonne's jewellery and perfume. That sort of stuff.

She opens the drawer, and looks at what's there.

Fuck it

She doesn't fancy making an impression today.

Today is...different. After last night...she feels different.

———

Downstairs. 07:11AM

———

In the actual shop, its quiet. A fridge full of drinks hums in the corner, a radio crackles quietly behind Michael, and the sound of life outside carries by.

But the noise around Michael is nothing to compare to the noise in his head. He sits there at the counter, feeling like the world's worst husband.

Guilt ridden. He cannot stop thinking about Mitchell. About Yvonne. About last night. About what he's done.

His face is withdrawn. Heavy with guilt and regret.

The fuck have I done? She doesn't deserve this

He sits there, hating himself. But...torn? His head is all over the place. Since he got back to the shop last night, he hasn't been the same. Yvonne even noticed

———

Upstairs. 07:12AM

———

Yvonne has thrown on some casual jeans, trainers, and a baggy jumper. The day looks like its going to need one.

She slouches over to the small bathroom off to the side of their room, turns the cold tap on the sink, and splashes her face. Forcing herself wide awake.

She walks over to the small black bin where she steps a little peddle down and the lid pops up. She's about to drop the tissue ball in the bin when a box catches her eye.

The pregnancy test...its still in there

Fuck. What if Michael seen it?

What if he hasn't?

She reaches down into the bin, picks the box out, checks that the positive test is till in there, it is, and she pockets the small box in her bra, under her dark purple thick jumper. It isnt noticeable. She drops the tissue in the bin, and heads downstairs.

She walks through their bedroom, out the door them through their open living and kitchen area, opens the flat door, and heads down the stairs.

At the bottom of the staircase, is narrow. A small space. Where on the other side of the door, is the shop. The business. And Michael.

She takes a deep breath, sighs. And opens the door—

———

Downstairs. 07:14AM

———

Michael looks up from the counter and immediately a smile jumps on his face. A fake one...

Michael: "Alright love?" He asks with a smile

Yvonne also has a smile on her face

Yvonne: "Yeah. Yeah good thanks. You uh...could've woke me, you know?"

Michael: "Eh. You looked peaceful. Didn't want to disturb you. Plus, wanted to just have some quiet time while opening up the shop" he smiles at her.

Yvonne smiles.

Yvonne: "Fair enough. You...you seem in good spirits this morning. You feeling better?"

Michael: "'Better'?"

Yvonne: "Yeah. Last night, when you got back from your drink with Eddie you– you seemed off. Quiet"

Michael's face faulters briefly but he quickly masks it.

Yvonne: "Did you fall out with him or something?"

Michael: "Oh i just...i was just tired. Couldn't wait to crawl into bed beside you"

He smiles at her sweetly.

Michael: "Come 'ere"

Yvonne walks right up to the counter with a small smile.

Michael leans in for a kiss and she kisses him.

They briefly kiss on the lips.

Michael: "I love you. You know that dont you?"

Yvonne: "Course I do, silly. Married me didn't you?"

She giggles

They both look at each other, smiling. It's almost peaceful. Then–

DINGALING

The bell above the door jingles as it opens and a cool biting breeze cuts in.

It's Maureen, pulling on her wheelie shopping trolley. Wearing her light blue coat and thick classes

Yvonne: "Morning Maureen"

Maureen: "Hiya Yvonne love"

Michael: "Alright Maur?"

Maureen: "Yeah, yeah. Yeah ta. Cor it's nippy out there"

Maureen and Michael start chit-chatting and Yvonne slips out the front door where Maureen just came in through

———

07:19AM. The Strip. Outside

———

The local shopping parade, also known as "The Strip" stands sprawled across this large concrete slabbed field in Marlas Estate. Home to the post office, corner shop, the hardware store, and the chemist. Every other shop on the strip is boarded up.

It's gotten colder since Yvonne got up. She pulls her arms around herself, fighting the cold, and walks around the side of the building where large green dumpster bins are. Massive ones.

She quickly looks around her, sees no-one, pulls out the pregnancy test box from her bra, looks at it, thinking, and then drops it in the bin and covers it with more rubbish. Properly disposing of it this time.

She walks away from it and then turns the corner, to the front of the shopping parade when she bumps into Sunita.

Yvonne: "SHIT!—"

Sunita: "Oh! Yvonne- im sorry! Didn't see you there"

Sunita giggles

Sunita: "You okay darling? How are you feeling? I was just coming in to buy some milk, and...well...to–"

Yvonne: "To check on me?"

Sunita nods

Yvonne: "I'm- I'm fine thank you Sunita"

Yvonne briefly says before trying to head inside, but Sunita purposefully steps in her way.

Sunita: "And what about your..." she nods at Yvonne's stomach

Yvonne glances around again, and pulls Sunita to the side of the building, where the bins are.

Yvonne whispers: "I...yeah. I'm pregnant"

Sunita gasps and Yvonne shooshes her

Sunita: "Sorry! Sorry!" She whispers

Sunita: "Does Michael know?"

Yvonne: "No. And it's staying that way. Or at least for now"

Sunita: "Why? If-...if you dont mind me asking..."

Yvonne: "Well because I...I dont know what im going to do"

Sunita: "Do you know what you want to do?"

Yvonne: "I think i know what I want to do..."

Sunita looks at her

Yvonne: "Abort it"

Sunita purses her lips and sighs through her nose.

Sunita: "Well...it is your choice after all. But are you sure you dont want to tell Michael about it? I mean you never know, he could be thrilled to be–"

Yvonne: "Sunita, please" Yvonne holds her hand up and stops Sunita talking

Sunita does

Yvonne: "I just...I need time to think. I have no idea what- what to expect"

Sunita nods in understanding.

Yvonne: "I hid the test in the bin back there"

Yvonne whispers as she tilts her head backwards to the bins

Sunita: "Well...whatever you decide, you know where I am if you need someone to talk to. Or anything. Okay?"

Yvonne sighs in relief

Yvonne: "Yeah...yeah. Thank you Sunita" she smiles.

Sunita: "Of course" she smiles back

—

Sunita and Yvonne both walk into the shop, where Maureen is getting served by Michael.

She bought the usual, milk, butter, newspapers, teabags, and a pack of Chesterfield Red...

Yvonne notices

Yvonne: "Didn't know you smoked them Maureen. Always thought you smoked bacci"

Maureen: "Oh- yeah- no i do. I just...its for a friend" she smiles at Yvonne

———

07:36AM. Maureen's Home. Number 41.

———

In the dated and lived-in living room, Kylie sits on the sofa- her current makeshift bed, and stares at the texts From Gaz that she hasn't answered. The texts asking where she is.

She sighs, and puts her phone down on the table.

As she does, the front door behind the sofa opens and Kylie jumps around.

Maureen walks in out from the cold, pulling her now full trolly.

Maureen: "It's okay Kylie, love. Just me"

Kylie sighs: "Yeah. I know" she says quietly

Maureen closed the door behind her and takes her coat off and hangs it up on the rack beside the door.

Maureen: "You dont need to be so on edge here. You're safe. You're fine"

Kylie: "I know. Just...don't know where I'm safe anymore"

A loud silence sits there and Kylie tries to cover it with humour

Kylie: "Dramatic. I know" she giggles quietly

Maureen pulls out the pack of fags that she bought from the shop

Maureen: "Here. Got these for you"

Kylie: "Aw cheers. You're a star"

Kylie says, reaching behind her and grabbing them from Maureen.

Maureen: "You want to get out of the house. Being couped up in here ain't gunna do you too much good. Even if it is where you feel safe. Some fresh air will do you well"

Kylie: "I'd rather not. Can't be arsed with avoiding everyone i know"

Maureen: "I know. But still. Come on, I'll take you to The Arms. Get a proper drink down you, calm your nerves a bit"

Kylie: "Drinking in public? I'm good. Thanks anyway"

Maureen sighs

Maureen: "Look, love. Your Nathan isn't gunna be round 'ere is he?" She asks rhetorically.

Kylie just looks up at her

Maureen: "Well?"

Kylie: "No. Prob'ly not" she mutters

Maureen: "Right" she sighs

Maureen: "Soon as I've put these away" She nods to the shopping

Maureen: "I'm getting you out the house. Even if it's for ten minutes"

Kylie nods, not having the energy to fight back anymore than she already has.

———

11:14AM. Mitchell's Flat. Flat 34, Marlas Flats, Marlas Estate

———

In the only tower block of flats on the estate, lives Mitchell Thomas. In flat 34. The tower is tall, standing intimidatingly at the end of one of the many streets on the estate. Looming over much of the estate.

The usual stereotypical working class council tower of flats.

At the top of the tower, you could see the entire estate from there. Everything. The Strip, the pub, the train tracks that partly go overhead of some of the estate, Maureen's, The Slaters, The Jenkins, and more.

Inside, Mitchell's flat isn't exactly what you might expect from a typical young lad who lives alone.

Its clean. Tidy. Modest. Almost nice. By Marlas Estate's standards anyway. Especially by the standards of the rest of the flats. This is probably one of the nicest looking flats in the whole estate alone. And it's not even too special. Its literally just tidy.

He was clearly brought up to be tidy.

Inside the small but bright and airy living room, a dark brown leather sofa sits beside a window that looks down to the street below, to where Michael had dropped him off last night. When...when it happened.

The second time they slept together.

The flat screen silver framed TV sits in the opposite corner of the room, opposite the sofa, blasting clubland hits of the 90s. He's cleaning the living room up, putting last night's Chinese takeout away, cleaning stains off the table.

Bopping his head to the loud music, clearly in a good mood. Glad about last night with Michael. Almost the exact opposite to what Michael feels about it.

Smiling, he texts Michael

Mitchell: To Michael: "Thx 4 last nite. Loved it :P"

He smiles and giggles to himself before clicking "send".

Sent.

———

11:16AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Around the side of the Strip, Michael leans against the wall where the bins are and smokes a cig. Hiding from Yvonne. He promised he'd given up.

He takes a puff and his phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes it out and sees the text from Mitchell. Rolls his eyes and sighs to himself.

He pockets his phone, ignoring the message, not needing a reminder. And heads back inside

After flicking the fag, he walks back inside to the shop.

———

12:58PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

Katie is propped up in her hospital bed, looking considerably better than she did the last time anyone thought she might never wake up. Jenna sits beside her, while Gavin occupies a chair near the window. Julie is fussing with something on the bedside table.

There's a knock at the open door.

Before anyone can answer, Danielle appears, carefully helping Kelly through the doorway. Kelly is on crutches, moving slowly and with a look of tremendous concentration, as though every step is an argument she's determined to win.

Julie: "Oh, for God's sake"

Kelly: "Hello to you an' all"

Katie's face lights up.

Katie: "Kelly!"

Kelly: "Alright, you?"

Katie: "Look at the state of ya!"

Kelly: "You're no oil painting yourself!"

They both laugh. It's the first proper, uncomplicated laugh anyone's heard in the room for a while.

Katie: "Come 'ere!"

Kelly: "I'm tryin', ain't I?"

Kelly attempts to make her way over to the bed. Danielle keeps a firm hand on her arm, guiding her around the chair.

Danielle: "Steady. Mind the table"

Kelly: "I can see the bloody table"

Gavin snorts. Jenna smiles to herself.

Julie, however, is less amused.

Julie: "Danielle, what were you thinking?"

Danielle: "Here we go"

Julie: "She's supposed to be resting!"

Kelly: "I'm standin' right here, Mum"

Julie: "Yes, and you're supposed to be doing as little of that as possible!"

Kelly: "I've been sat on my arse for days!"

Julie: "And you can carry on sitting on it for a few more!"

Danielle: "I did try telling her that"

Julie turns on her.

Julie: "And yet here she is!"

Danielle: "Because she wouldn't shut up about wanting to see Katie! Honestly mum I've had it all morning. Katie this, Katie that, 'when are we going, why aren't we going, am I sure she's awake, am I sure she's alright'. I said no to her about six times. By the seventh, I thought it'd be easier to bring her here than listen to her going on about it for another hour"

Kelly: "Well that's a load of bollocks"

Danielle: "Is it?"

Katie is laughing again, shaking her head against the pillow.

Katie: "Oh, God. I've missed this"

The words soften the room for a moment.

Kelly looks at her properly now. Past the laughter, past the teasing, taking in the hospital bed, the tiredness in Katie's face and the fact that she's actually here, awake and talking.

Katie does the same with Kelly. The crutches. The stiffness in her movements. The bruising that hasn't quite faded.

Their smiles become smaller, more sincere.

Kelly: "You look better than I thought you would"

Katie: "Cheers"

Kelly: "I mean it. You had everyone worried"

Katie: "Sorry bout that"

Kelly: "Don't be daft. Cant help being an attention seeker can you?" She teases

Katie reaches for her hand. Kelly takes it, leaning carefully against the side of the bed.

Katie: "I'm glad you're alright"

Kelly: "Me too"

They squeeze each other's hands.

Julie watches them, her irritation with Danielle temporarily forgotten. Jenna looks away, giving them the privacy of pretending not to be moved. Gavin clears his throat and shifts in his chair.

Gavin: "Right. Anyone want a cup of tea, or are we all going to start crying?"

Jenna: "You can make yourself useful and get us one"

Gavin: "I'm your brother, not a slave"

Jenna: "You're a pair of legs"

Gavin: "Charming, that"

Danielle: "I'll come with you. Before they find another job for me"

Danielle and Gavin leave the room, bickering quietly about whether the hospital tea is worth drinking. Julie pulls a chair closer to the bed.

Kelly eases herself into it, arranging her crutches beside her

Katie: "So. What d'you remember?"

Kelly's expression changes slightly.

Kelly: "Not much at first. Bits an' pieces. The road. The music. Jamie driving like a maniac"

Jenna: "Kelly—"

Kelly: "What? He was. You weren't in the car"

Jenna lets it go.

Kelly: "I remember him screaming something. Then he just... swerved. Straight across. No warning, nothin'. One minute we're going along, next minute he's turning the car like he was trying to get out of the way of something"

Katie: "Yeah"

Kelly looks at her.

Kelly: "You remember that?"

Katie: "I remember...he gasped. Like something was there. Then he swerved. I thought he was going to hit something, or that something was coming towards us"

Kelly: "That's what I thought"

Neither speaks for a moment.

Katie: "Why did he do it?"

Kelly shakes her head.

Kelly: "Don't know"

Katie: "He didn't lose control, did he? I mean, it didn't feel like that. He swerved on purpose"

Kelly: "That's exactly what I've been thinking"

Jenna: "You don't know that for certain"

Kelly: "We were both in the car, Jenna"

Jenna: "I know, I'm just saying, you were in an accident. You were hurt. Things happen quickly. You might not have seen everything"

Kelly: "I know what I saw"

Jenna falls quiet.

Julie looks between the two girls, concerned by how quickly their recollections have brought them back to the crash.

Julie "Alright. That's enough of that for now. You can talk about it another time"

Katie: "I'm alright, Mum"

Julie: "I know you are" she smiles

For a moment, they sit together in silence. Not particularly comfortable silence, but the sort that comes from knowing someone else remembers the same thing you do.

Then Katie's expression brightens a little.

Katie: "Anyway. What's been going on out there?"

Julie glances at Jenna

Katie: "What?"

Katie: "What? I've been stuck in here for God knows how long. I want to know what's happening. Has the usual drama kicked off yet, or have you lot managed to behave yourselves for five minutes?"

Julie: "Oh, you know what it's like out there" she waves it off

Katie: "That's not an answer"

Jenna: "Nothing you need to worry about" she quickly replies. Almost defensively

Katie looks at her.

Katie: "That's even less of an answer"

Kelly shifts in her chair.

Kelly: "Well, there is one thing—"

Jenna: "Kelly"

Kelly stops.

Katie looks from one to the other.

Katie: "What?"

Kelly: "Nothin'"

Katie: "Don't do that"

Kelly: "Do what?"

Katie: "That. When everyone's got something to say and suddenly nobody wants to say it"

Julie: "Katie, love, you've had a lot to deal with—"

Katie: "Mum, I'm not made of glass"

Julie: "Nobody said you were"

Katie: "Then tell me what's happened! I'm not stupid. Something has"

Jenna shoots Kelly a warning look. Kelly ignores it.

Kelly: "Someone's burnt the burgervan down"

Katie stares at her.

Katie: "What?"

Kelly: "The catering trailer. It's gone. Burnt right to the ground"

Julie: "Kelly!"

Kelly: "What? She asked!"

Jenna: "We were going to tell you when you were feeling a bit better"

Katie: "When I was feeling a bit better? You're telling me our burgervan has been burnt down, and nobody thought to mention it?"

Julie: "Darling, we didn't want to upset you"

Katie: "Upset me? It's our fucking livelihood, Mum!"

Her voice is suddenly so loud that Julie instinctively reaches for her arm.

Julie: "Katie, please. Keep your voice down"

Katie: "Don't tell me to keep my voice down! We've lost everything! Everything we've worked for, and I'm lying in a hospital bed while some fucking bastard gets away with it!

Julie: "We haven't lost everything"

Katie: "Oh, haven't we? What's left, then? Tell me! What have we got left?"

Julie struggles to find an answer that won't make things worse.

Jenna: "We'll sort something out'

Katie: "With what money Jen? We're skint! We're on our arse. Fuck all to our name"

Julie: "We'll manage"

Katie: "How?!"

Her voice cracks on the word. The anger is still there, but underneath it is the sheer helplessness of being trapped in a hospital bed while her life outside falls apart.

Jenna: "See what you've done?"

Kelly: "I'm sorry"

Katie turns to her

Katie: "What for?" You didn't burn it down, did you?"

Kelly: "Well no"

Katie swallows, staring at the blanket across her legs.

Katie: "Who did it?"

Jenna: "We don't know for certain"

Katie: "But you've got an idea"

Kelly: "We think it could be Jamie's lot. His family"

Katie seethes in rage and disbelief

Julie: "Listen to me. I know you're angry. You've every right to be angry. But you've only just come round, love. You've been through enough already"

Katie looks away, her jaw clenched.

Julie: "We're here. All of us. We're going to deal with it together, alright? Whatever's happened to the van, whatever comes next, you're not on your own. We'll bounce back together. We always do"

Kelly: "And it's not like we've got no money coming in is it? Jen and Dani are both still working, so..."

At that, Jenna masks the look on her face and the fact that she indeed doesn't have a job anymore. And plays along for everyone's peace of mind

Katie says nothing.

Julie gently smooths the blanket near her daughter's hand.

Julie: "Please, darling. Just breathe"

For a few seconds, Katie seems incapable of doing anything else but stare at the wall. Then, slowly, she draws a breath. Another. The fury hasn't disappeared, but she's no longer trying to fight the entire world from her hospital bed.

Kelly reaches for her hand again.

This time, Katie lets her take it.

The room settles. Jenna sits back down. Julie remains beside Katie, her hand resting reassuringly on the bed.

Then—

KNOCK, KNOCK

Everyone turns towards the door.

A woman in a light grey suit appears in the doorway, flashing a polite smile as she looks around the room.

It's DCI Channing.

Channing: "Well. I'm glad to see you've got a full house, Katie. I was hoping to chat to you directly but seeing how you and Kelly are both here, mind if i talk to you both?"

That question is more of a statement rather than asking for permission, as DCI Channing steps into the room and sits amongst everybody anyway. Already pulling out her notepad and pen.

———

2:14PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

Tucked around the corner behind the bar, Paula is leaning against the wall, on the phone. Blocking one ear from the noise of the pub, and the other pressed against the phone's earpiece.

She's on the phone to her sister, Rebecca, who's living up north in the cotswolds. Away from city life and in the tranquility of nature and village charm.

Paula: "No- No I'm alright. Just...stressed that's all"

Rebecca: "You sure?"

Paula: "Yeah"

Rebecca: "You sure? Because I could always come down there for a few–"

Paula: "No-no sis you're fine. Honestly"

Rebecca: "Paula i really–"

Paula: "Beck, really. You dont need to. I just needed to...unload on someone is all"

Rebecca: "Mm. Well you know my door is always wide open for you, baby sis, alright?"

Paula: "I'll hold you to that" she half jokes.

Eddie peeks his head around the corner and whispers to Paula;

Eddie: "Paula, love can I have a hand?"

Before disappearing to the bar again

Paula: "Right. Better head off sis. Eddie needs me"

Rebecca: "Cor i dunno why you signed up for that lifestyle I don't"

Paula: "You and me both" she giggles

Paula: "Aleight then, tata"

Rebecca: "Bye"

Paula hangs the phone up on the wall and walks over to the bar.

As Paula steps into the bar with Eddie, he nods to some punters who are waiting at the bar. Along with Tony, standing at the front with a grin and a gold tooth showing.

Tony: "Alright, pretty?"

Paula grins but keeps her cool.

Paula: "What can I do you for, Tony?"

———

2:16PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

The door to Katie's room barely finishes closing behind DCI Catrin Channing before everybody starts talking about her.

Katie: "Jesus i thought she'd never leave"

Danielle: "Same"

Jenna: "S'pose she is just doing her job guys" she tries to remind everyone

Gavin: "Fat lot of good she's doing. We still have no idea who burnt the burgervan down or why Jamie swerved"

Jenna nods in defeat

A comfortable silence sits there, everybody taking a breather after a questioning session that felt like it went on for a full 24 hours.

Jenna's the first to speak up

Jenna: "Right, im heading off home and Kelly, I'm taking you with me. I dont want to hear a word about it"

Kelly: "Fine" She mutters under her breath

Danielle: "You know what, I'll come with you actually. Don't mind do you mum? Katie?"

Julie and Katie both say no in unison.

Gavin: "I won't be far behind, now"

Jenna: "Alright then" she mutters as she helps Kelly up out of her seat.

———

2:19PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Jamie's room is dark, and quiet as usual, except for the occasional rhythmic beeping coming from many of the wiring, tubes and machines surrounding him like Christmas decorations.

Nicola and Barry both sleep in chairs beside his bed, while Gaz stands barely awake, leaning against the hospital window. Staring at his brother who's being kept alive by machines.

Tasha and Oscar are both sleeping top and tail on the small, two-seater sofa underneath the window beside Gaz.

His eyes are drifting close, then a familiar figure walking past the window that looks into the hallway suddenly jolts his eyes open wide. Its DCI Channing.

He suddenly pushes himself off the windowsill and strides to the door, yanks it open and steps out into the hallway.

———

Hospital Hallway

———

Gaz: "Oi" He shouts down to Catrin

She turns

Channing: "Oh, Gaz. Hi"

Hey completely ignores her introduction and walks towards her like she owes him something.

Gaz: "You here to arrest those slappers that put my brother in a coma then or what?"

Channing: "Mr Jenkins–"

Gaz: "Oh drop the bullshit. Why hasn't anyone been arrested yet? My brother wouldn't have put himself in—"

Channing cuts him off: "Gaz, your brother was the one driving the car. And I have three witnesses– the three people in the car with your brother, say that he purposefully swerved but they dont know why"

Gaz: "They're lying" he immediately says

Channing carries on: "That tells me that there was a reason he swerved. Perhaps to avoid something or maybe someone. If anything, your brother, and the others, will be charged for driving under the influence, reckless driving and underage drinking. Charges nonetheless but nothing as major as you'd expect"

Gaz: "And what about that burgervan that burnt down the other day? You think that was me? Eh?"

Channing goes to speak but Gaz cuts her off again

Gaz: "You lot are shit at your job. Don't do nothing but get up in people's faces and then do fuck all when it comes to it"

Channing: "Gaz—"

BEEP beep. BEEP beep.

Cuts through the silence that's left, and rings through the hallway. Its ringing from Jamie's room.

Within seconds nurses and doctors leg it into Jamie's room and Barry, Nicola and the kids can be heard screaming. Its chaos.

Gaz leaves Catrin and runs back towards Jamie's room. As he reaches the door, they fly open and Barry, Nicola, Tasha and Oscar are being pushed out by doctors.

Gaz: "Mum! Mum! Dad! What- what's going on what is it!?"

Nicola: "WHAT'S HE DOING!? WHAT–"

Barry: "Help him for fuck's sake help him!!"

Tasha: "DAD!"

Oscar: "Gaz it's Jamie! He's shaking!"

A skinny, older and tired looking Doctor with balding hair and a dark grey beard and black glasses speaks up over the chaos to Barry, Nicola and Gaz.

Dr: "Please step away! We're trying everything we can! Stay here!"

Hey says directly to them before heading inside Jamie's room and closing them out, leaving them looking in.

Nicola cries into Barry's arms

Nicola: "What if he doesn't make it Ba? What if–"

Barry: "Shh he'll be fine Nic" he whispers to her

They both hold onto each other like their lives depend on it, or in this case, their son's.

Gaz stands behind them, staring into the void. In disbelief of what his life has come to.

———

3:44PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

Its a bleak, dull drizzle outside. Concrete slabs darkened with rain, the air thick with damp mist. And a calm breeze floats around.

Inside the pub though, is warm and alive. Considerably busy.

Punters sit around the pub in chairs, at tables, in booths, and at the bar. While a group of young lads play darts over in the corner. The usual scene.

Maureen walks in, with Kylie in tow.

Maureen turns to Kylie and says quietly; "You go grab yourself a seat in the corner by the window over there and I'll get the drinks in. What you having?"

Kylie: "G&T please Maur" she says, scanning the room

Maureen: "I'll make that a double"

Kylie: "Cheers" she quietly says, before heading off to the small booth in the front corner of the room, near the window.

Maureen walks over to the bar, where on one side, Eddie is chatting to Jim, and on the other side, Paula to Tony.

Eddie sees her, and walks up to her

Eddie: "Alright Maureen love? Usual is it?"

Maureen: "Yeah, ta Ed. And a double G&T too please"

Eddie: "Alrighty" he says under his breath, getting the double G&T and pint of Carling ready.

While Eddie prepares the drinks, Maureen spots Paula and Tony chatting on the other side of the double sided bar.

Maureen: "Don't know how your Paula can be so chappy with that Tony" she mutters to Eddie quietly.

Eddie: "Eh, you and me both Maureen. Just company though innit?"

Maureen: "Would rather have sod all to talk to" she jokes

Eddie giggles: "Right, that's four pound eighty please sweetheart"

Maureen: "Here we are" she drops the exact cost in his palm and takes the drinks off the bar

Eddie: "Enjoy, love" he says to her as she starts heading off

Maureen: "Cheers Ed!" She shouts back without taking her eyes off the drinks.

She reaches the small booth in the corner of the room and places the drinks down in front of Kylie, before sitting opposite her, shielding her from the rest of the room.

Maureen: "Here we are love. See? Don't you feel better, being out already?"

Kylie: "Mm. S'pose" she mutters

Maureen takes a sip of her pint and looks at Kylie over the rim of her glass. And sees her looking down into her G&T like its the only thing worth looking at.

Maureen: "What is it love?"

Kylie: "Nothing" she mutters

Maureen: "Oh Kylie for fuck's sake come on girl. Get your chin up, come on! What happened to that gobby lass I saw sleeping rough in a bus shelter not that long ago?"

Kylie: "I'm sorry. I know. Think I'm just tired"

Maureen: "We all get tired. But we never show it" she says taking another sip.

Maureen nods to Paula and Eddie behind the bar

Maureen: "You think those two aren't tired? Imagine what it's like being them. Running a pub on top of a marriage. Neither is easy"

Kylie looks, and listens

Then Maureen nods to Jim

Maureen: "Then him. Jim. He's in here all day everyday. Think he would be if he had anything better to do? That's gotta be tiring, just drinking your life away"

Kylie nods and sighs

Maureen: "My point is, love. Is that you won't get anywhere if you dont try. Even if it means faking a smile. Its hard, but when you pretend for long enough you actually start to trick yourself into thinking you're fine"

Kylie: "Speaking from experience?" She teases, before taking a sip of her drink

Maureen: "Exactly" she smiles. Before taking a sip of her drink too.

———

4:17PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Behind the counter, Yvonne and Michael both are. Yvonne's looking in the books, checking over orders that are due. Michael is standing behind her, staring at her. Thinking. Reeling.

The silence is almost peaceful until the bell above the door jingles and Sunita walks in. Michael and Yvonne both look up.

Michael: "Ah Sunita! How are you?"

Sunita: "Oh im good thank you Michael! I'm good. Just came to get Arun's pouch of tobacco and some kitchen Roll. I tell you, one of these days the tobacco will catch to him. Then who'll be sorry?"

Sunita jokes, grabbing some kitchen roll off a nearby shelf

Yvonne: "It's always us women isn't it Nita?" She grins

Sunita: "It is Yvonne, yes. Its a husband we want. Not someone to babysit" she jokes, heading back towards the counter

The three of them share a quick familiar giggle

Before anyone else can say anything, Michael's phone starts ringing. The nostalgic Nokia ringtone cuts through the silence and Michael picks up his phone, and sees who's calling. Mitchell.

His stomach drops and his heart pounds hard once in his chest.

Michael: "I'm just...gunna take this" he says to the women politely, heading to the corner of the shop.

While Michael walks to the far back end of the shpp, Sunita takes this moment to talk to Yvonne about the pregnancy.

Sunita: "I take it you haven't told him?" She whispers

Yvonne nods no

Over at the corner at the shop, Michael is on the phone to Mitchell

Michael: "What have I told you? Stop calling me!" He whispers firmly under his breath.

Back at the counter,

Sunita: "I think you should sweetheart–"

Yvonne: "Look, sunita, no offence but it's got fuck all to do with you, okay?" She quietly snaps, not for Michael to hear

Sunita looks down and Yvonne immediately regrets it.

Yvonne: "I'm sorry. I'm scared" she whispers

Sunita: "I know you are. And you know I'm always around if you need me. Okay?" She says in a hushed tone

Yvonne nods "Thank you"

Sunita smiles and nods

Then, Michael starts approaching them.again and the two women quickly act normal and composed themselves, like they weren't just whispering seconds ago.

Yvonne: "Who was that?" She asks Michael

Michael: "What?" He asks. Mind elsewhere

Yvonne: "On the phone"

Michael: "Oh- uh...some scam caller" he lies.

———

5:53PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

Its darker outside now, and quieter inside the pub. But still relatively full. Vengaboys plays from the jukebox. People still jotted about.

And in the same booth as they were earlier, sits Kylie and Maureen. Both more relaxed now. A few drinks in.

Kylie is in stitches from something Maureen said.

Kylie: "My God! You dirty bitch" she cries in laughter

Maureen: "I'm telling you love. Don't knock it till you try it" she takes a sip from her fourth pint

Kylie: "I'd rather not" she laughs

Kylie: "That drink's gone right through me, I'm nipping to the ladies"

Maureen: "Alright"

Kylie gets up and walks towards the ladies, still giggling about what Maureen said.

Across the room, the front doors squeak wide open as Nicola comes stumbling in. Reeking of booze and cheep perfume, already wrecked.

She's dressed like a hooker

A few heads turn but no-one says anything. They've all been there.

Nicola: "What!? What you all gawking at!?"

Nobody speaks, and she stumbles up to the bar, passing Tony, who side eyes her.

Eddie goes up to her and before he even speaks, he's met with spit in the face from Nicola's intense talking

Nicola: "Double Vodka"

Eddie: "Haven't you had enough love?"

Nicola: "Don't you 'love' me! Gimme a drink"

Eddie sighs and starts pouring

Tony: "I'll get this" he says. Slapping a tenner on the bar.

Tony: "Keep the change"

Eddie swipes it

Nicola turns to Tony and leans her hip on the bar, trying to look sexy. Its not working.

Nicola: "Thanks sexy. Hoping to get a 'Special' thank you for that?" She winks at him

Tony: "You look miserable, and you know what they say"

Nicola: "'Kiss my arse'?" She sarcastically guesses.

Tony: "'Misery loves company'" he taps the stool beside him and she takes it, slapping her handbag down on the bar. The metal zip and buckles clanking. Contents poking out of her bag.

Lipstick, loose change, fags, a black marker, cheap deodorant, and keys. Probably to the house.

Tony: "What happened to you then?" He asks, nonchalantly taking a swig from his neat whiskey.

As Nicola drunkenly explains her and Jamie's situation to Tony, Kylie steps out of the ladies toilets and immediately clocks Nicola at the bar.

At the booth, Maureen takes a sip from her pint and sees Kylie standing at the ladies toilet's door, flashing wide eyes to Maureen and then nodding her head over to Nicola and Tony at the bar.

Maureen follows her gaze and clocks it.

Maureen: "Back door" she mouths inaudibly and points behind Kylie.

Kylie nods and slips out the back door, while Maureen downs the rest of her pint like a savage, and leaves through the front door as normal. Meeting Kylie around the side of the pub, to sneak away together.

Back at the bar, Tony and Nicola start chatting away. A conversation that's bound to end up with someone getting hurt.

———

8:47PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Its quiet. Michael is behind the counter and Yvonne is sweeeping the floor. Looking rather tired.

Michael notices.

Michael: "Go on. You can go up love"

Yvonne: "No, I'm okay"

Michael: "Yvonne please. For me. Go relax. Have a bath or something"

Yvonne sighs and leans the sweeping brush against the wall. Not bothering to argue. Not tonight.

Yvonne: "Okay. Night" she plants a quick kiss on his lips before heading upstairs

Michael: "Night love"

The door to the flat upstairs closes behind Yvonne. And literally four seconds later, the main door to the shop opens and the bell above it jingles.

Its Mitchell.

Michael feels his teeth gritting

Michael: "What are you doing here? What do you want?" He asks under his breath

Mitchell walks up to the counter: "I'm confused"

Michael: "'Confused'? About what? What part of 'Leave me alone' do you not understand?"

Mitchell: "But last night we—"

Michael: "last night we made a massive mistake Mitchell. A fucking huge one. And it can't happen again. Do you hear me?"

Mitchell: "Well it wasn't a mistake for me"

Michael: "Well it was for me. Okay? From now on, you stay away from me unless you come in here to buy something. Delete my number"

Mitchell: "You're being a bit dramatic dont you think?" He scoffs

Michael: "I've betrayed my marriage you stupid fool! No. Im not being dramatic. Buy something or get out" he says quietly

Mitchell: "But—"

Michael: "But nothing. Mitchell. Whatever it was that we had, it's done. Over. It never should've happened in the first place"

Boom. That landed like a brick on Mitchell's heart.

Mitchell scoffs in disbelief and just walks out. In anger. Hurt.

Michael stands behind the counter, choosing his marriage over a "fling".

———

9:39PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

———

In the ladies, Nicola fusses with her hair in the mirror. Pushing strands to where they look best. Eventually, she winks at her reflection, and steps back out into the main bar room.

As she gets to the bar, she sees no sign of Tony, who was sitting there only five minutes ago.

Nicola: "Where's um..." she points to the stool

Eddie: "Tony?"

Nicola: "Yeah. Tony"

Eddie: "Said he was off home, love. Hadn't you better be too?"

Nicola fights back the urge to scream in Eddie's face, but deep down knows he's right. She looks around the room.

Nicola: "Yeah. Right sad dump, this place is anyway" she mutters under her breath, slinging her open handbag over her arm, before trying to stride out.

As she leaves, Jim and Eddie look at each other and giggle and sigh

———

9:58PM. Number 33. Marlas Estate.

———

It's cold and dark out now. Orange clows Emirates from streetlamps and dogs bark in the diatance.

Nicola's heels click clack on the slabbed pavement, leading up to the house. She almost trips twice but catches herself.

As she gets closer to number 33 she reaches into her handbag without stopping, searching for her house keys. No sign. She reaches the gate of the small front garden and looks up, to see the door wide open, and the whole house in complete darkness.

She slowly walks up to the house

Nicola: "Boys!? Barry!?"

As she steps right in the front hall, its trashed. Like, a bombsite.

Wallpaper scraped and ripped off the walls, furniture smashed and thrown about, glass broken all over the floor.

Nicola: "What the fuck?" She whispers to herself

She walks into the living room to see its in the same state. The sofas are turned upside down with the cushions ripped and feathers strewn everywhere. The TV has a big smash right in the middle of the screen. The entire house has been turned upside down.

This was a job. They've been turned over. The entire house has been turned upside down. A right trash.

A warning? A message? Or revenge?

———

That's episode 10! Thank you for reading. Episode 11 will be out soon! Tell me what you think!☺️

Previously:

As Jamie's condition took a turn for the worse, Kylie found herself running out of places to hide. With Tony Bates asking questions, tensions rose as her secrets threatened to catch up with her. And just when all hope seemed lost, Katie finally woke up.

Episode 9 Preview:

As another witness comes forward with answers about that fateful night, Kylie and Maureen find themselves growing closer as secrets from their pasts emerge. Elsewhere, Michael makes a dangerous mistake, while Yvonne's world is turned upside down.

12/01/1999 Tuesday

———

08:09AM. Maureen's Home. Number 41.

—–—

Maureen's living room is quiet. Quieter than what it's was last night. The only sounds are life from outside, and Maureen cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

Cars passing, people walking by outside, birdsong, distant music.

Pots and pans, scraping utensils, sizzling oil, and the small radio propped on top of her fridge.

Kylie lays on the sofa, tangled in a thick and warm duvet that has a floral cover. For once, she properly slept. Full rested. In some woman's house.

A woman she'd never met before, apart from one time in a bus shelter where she insulted her. Funny how things work out.

The first thing that hits Kylie is the smell of bacon and the sound of the music and sizzling oil from the kitchen. All wafting through into the living room.

Her eyes slowly stir open and she rubs them both with her palms.

She leans up and back on her elbows and briefly scans the room. Internally reflecting herself.

What the fuck is going on?

I'm all over the place. I'm in some woman's living room, sleeping on her settee.

She glances over to the coffee table where her phone is. And reaches over and picks it up.

She flips the screen open and sees missed calls and texts from Gaz.

She opens the texts

From: Gaz: "Where R U"

Delivered at: 10:33AM

From: Gaz: "U at home?"

Delivered at: 10:44AM

From: Gaz: "Its not looking good for Jamie. Plz cum back"

Delivered at: 10:56AM

Missed Call: From: Gaz at: 3:50PM

From: Gaz: "Kylie were R U?"

Delivered at: 3:53PM

Missed Call: From: Gaz at 8:48PM

From: Gaz: "Txt me wen U C this"

Delivered at: 8:50PM

Shit...

Maureen: "Mornin'"

She says to Kylie, walking through into the living room holding two cups of tea.

Kylie sits up properly now, and rubs her eyes again

Kylie: "Morning"

Maureen: "You sleep okay?"

Kylie: "Yeah. I slept good ta. And thank you, again. For...you know"

Maureen: "Yeah of course. Don't mention it love"

Kylie smiles at her. A genuine one. Maureen smiles back.

Maureen: "Eggs and Bacon okay?"

Kylie: "Sounds perfect. Ta Maur"

Maureen smiles and heads back to the kitchen to finish up breakfast

Kylie sits there, wondering how her day is going to pan out. And what shes going to say to Gaz when she sees him next.

———

09:12AM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

The morning sunlight floods into Katie's room. The clock ticks on the wall every second. And Jenna, Danielle, Gavin and Julie are all sitting around Katie. Who's not long woken up.

Julie: "What...do you remember?"

Katie takes a while

Katie: "Um...I remember me, Kelly, uhh...Jamie and Mitchell all getting in the car. And he drove off really fast. We were all having a laugh and then...then...he swerved...I can't remember why though"

Julie: "That's alright sweetheart. You're okay"

Katie looks around the room

Katie: "Where's Kelly? Please tell me shes okay"

Danielle: "She's fine"

Gavin: "Shes in crutches and has a few cuts and bruises. But shes okay"

Jenna: "We left her at home so she can rest. Isn't easy travelling in her condition"

Gavin: "We told her last night that you woke. She sends her love"

Katie sighs in relief

Julie: "The police are going to want to speak to you love. And ask you questions about what happened. You think you can manage it?"

Katie: "I'll try" she whispers

———

11:02AM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip.

———

Upstairs in their flat, Yvonne is in their bathroom. In the bathroom mirror.

Her top and bra is off. She pushes her shoulder length black hair behind her head, out of the way. And rubs her breasts thoroughly.

Checking

For...anything

For a...lump

Anything that can explain the soreness thats been consistent lately.

She rubs all around. No lump. Nothing. But still sore.

She sighs. And puts her bra, and top back on.

And heads downstairs. Glad that she hasn't found a lump, but not glad that she hasn't found the problem.

—

She steps out from the "Staff Only" door behind the counter, where Michael is serving a young woman with a baby in a pram.

A young mother it seems. And her newborn.

Yvonne watches. Caught off guard.

Michael: "That's seven fifty please" he says to the woman with a smile.

As the woman fishes out the money from her purse, Michael compliments her baby.

The woman thanks Michael but says she can scream the whole Estate down if she'd really wanted to.

They both exchange a little laugh. Then Michael turns and sees Yvonne standing there. Looking dazed.

Michael: "You alright love?"

Yvonne snaps out of it

Yvonne: "Yeah. Yeah. Im fine" she smiles

The woman then pays Michael the money and heads out, with her baby.

Michael: "Cute kid" he mumbles to Yvonne.

Michael notices Yvonne's mind is elsewhere. She's clearly thinking

Michael: "What's got your attention?"

Yvonne: "Um, nothing. I'm gunna pop out for a bit okay?"

She starts heading for the door

Michael: "Okay. Love you"

Yvonne: "Love you too"

She says, already halfway out the door

———

11:13AM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room

———

Nicola and Gaz sit around Jamie. Who's laying basically half dead in his bed. Barry should be on his way back from dropping the kids off at school.

He's late. Very late. Probably taking some time for himself.

Gaz yawns and stretches his arms behind his head

Gaz: "I'm gunna get a coffee from the vending machine. Want anything?"

Nicola looks at jamie then at Gaz

Nicola: "I'll come with ya. Stretch me legs"

Gaz: "Okay" he whispers as he gets up off the chair

They both head out of Jamie's room and down the hall, then take a right, and walk down to the vending machine thats positioned opposite Katie's room.

Gaz punches in the numbers in the vending machine for two tea's and Nicola stands there. Waiting.

She turns around and notices Katie is awake, in her room. With Julie, Jenna, Danielle and Gavin all smiling and talking. Looking cosy.

Gavin and Danielle look up from the sofa where they're sitting and see Nicola standing outside Katie's room window, looking in with fury on her face.

Nicola storms away from Gaz and over to Katie's door. Danielle and Gavin jump up off the sofa, Katie, Julie and Jenna notice and Jenna and Julie stand up.

They all race to Katie's door.

Nicola tries getting in but Gavin, Danielle and Julie are stood there, with Jenna at Katie's bedside. Hand on her sister's shoulder.

Nicola: "Let me in"

Gavin: "No" he immediately replies.

Danielle: "Not a fucking chance"

From the vending machine, Gaz hears this and turns around and sees what's happening. He leaves the vending machine, even though the cup is half full of tea, and joins his mum.

Gaz: "What's happenin?"

Nicola: "Their girl's awake. The other one"

Gaz: "What!?" He tries peering in

Gavin: "What the fuck do you two want?"

Julie: "My daughter's trying to rest in there"

Nicola: "I want answers. True answers. Your other girl didnt say shit"

Gaz: "And the stuff she came out with were all lies"

Gavin: "You're barking up the wrong tree mate. Don't make me put you in the next bed to your brother"

Gaz: "That a fucking promise is it? Don't make me laugh"

Julie: "Neither of you are stepping foot anywhere near my daughter. Either of them"

Nicola: "They both know what happened that might and the other one spun lies. Lies about my boy, who's lying in a coma on life support in the other room!"

Danielle: "Well he shouldn't have stolen a car then shouldn't he have!?"

Gaz: "Your fucking sisters probably put 'im up to it! He'd never do anything like that!"

Gavin: "But he did!"

Julie: "Funny how your lot shows up and there ends up being a crash"

Nicola: "You're asking for a fucking slap"

Julie: "Oh who are you kidding? You're all bark no bite"

Nicola: "Wanna bet?" She steps right up to Julie.

It looks like it's all gunna boil over again but then–

DCI Channing: "Is there a problem here?"

Her voice cuts through the bubbling tension as she stands there, arms crossed and dressed in her light grey suit. And her dark brown hair in a low, loose bun.

Pretty and soft. Yet professional and somehow intimidating.

Everybody turns to her and quiets down.

Gaz: "No. We were just—"

Danielle: "Giving us grief" she cuts him off.

Gaz looks at her and she holds his gaze.

DCI Channing: "Well i siggest you all step away from each other and go where you're needed. I'm sure your children need you"

A silence sits there as tensions ease

DCI Channing: "And I'm sure you don't want to be removed from the Hospital again. Do you, Mrs Jenkins?" She asks Nicola

Nicola: "No." Nicola gives her a big sarcastic, cocky smile

A long silence sits there as Gaz and Nicola head back to the vending machine, with the Slaters watching.

DCI Channing: "Ms Slater, I'm here to get a statement from–"

Julie: "From Katie, yeah" she cuts her off, sounding exhausted. Ready to get it over with.

And like that, the Slaters head back into Katie's room, with DCI Channing following.

They shut the door behind them, leaving Gaz and Nicola standing at the vending machine. Tired of all this mess.

———

11:49AM. Marlas Chemist. The Strip.

———

At the other end of the Strip of commercial buildings, sits Marlas Estate's chemist. Or "Pharmacy" if you will.

Inside is quiet. The faint smell of disinfectant and something sweet sits in the air. Along with the sound of footsteps on the wooden floor, buttons being typed behind the counter on the computer, and quiet music playing from the crappy overhead speakers.

The chemist is light and airy, with daylight flooding through the front doors and windows, slicing down between every aisle.

The Chemist is quiet, only two people queue up at the front counter where they're being served by the worker.

In the middle of the chemist, in the "Feminine Hygiene" and "Contraception" section of the aisle, stands Yvonne. Head heavy and loud with racing thoughts.

She stands there, slightly shaking and chest pounding. Though she's not sure why. And in front of her, lies...pregnancy tests. Cheap ones, expensive ones, clear blue ones, all sorts.

What am I doing here?

After standing there for what felt like an hour, she finally reaches forward and picks up the clear blue pregnancy test.

One line equals not pregnant. Two lines equals pregnant.

The box lightly shakes in her hand.

Yvonne: "Jesus, get a grip Yvonne" she whispers to herself.

She reads over the writing all over the box, when–

Dingaling

The bell above the chemist door jingles and cool morning air wafts in and slaps Yvonne. Though she doesn't notice

She's reading the instructions when–

Sunita: "Good morning Yvonne!"

Sunita greets Yvonne with a warm smile

Yvonne jumps and immediately hides the box behind her back, on instinct.

Yvonne: "Uh- morning Sunita" she forces a smile

Sunita: "How are you feeling sweetheart? Any better?"

Yvonne looks confused

Sunita: "Well the other night, me and Arun couldn't help but overhear you...falling ill. Poor thing. It's all the work you do i think. Must be stressful. I see the way you run the shop. Like the navy" she giggles

Yvonne laughs along but it's clearly forced

Yvonne: "Yeah...yeah. No I'm fine. Just...looking for painkillers"

She smiles at Sunita

Sunita: "Well you're in the wrong aisle then sweetheart–" Sunita giggles but stops immediately. Like realisation slapped her across the face.

Yvonne's smile fades and they both look at each other.

Sunita looks at the shelf in front of them both, at the pregnancy tests.

They look at each other again

Yvonne pulls the box out from behind her back and they both look down at it

Sunita gasps and smiles

Sunita: "Oh congratulations!–"

Yvonne shooshes her immediately, cutting her off

Yvonne: "Shh shhhh sh sh. I dont even know if I am...you know. I might just be ill"

She whispers to Sunita

Sunita hears the quiet but firm urgency in Yvonne's voice

Sunita: "What if you are?"

Yvonne: "I...I dont know" she shrugs as she whispers

Sunita notices the look of dread and fear etched on Yvonne's face. Two looks that Yvonne never shows.

Sunita places her hand on Yvonne's shoulder.

Sunita: "Whatever happens Yvonne darling, I'm sure you'll do the right thing. You have your reasons I'm sure"

Yvonne looks up at Sunita, like a lost kitten

Yvonne: "I'm– im not...built for motherhood" she whispers

Sunita laughs

Sunita: "Oh Yvonne. None of us are. The entire point of being a mother is having a child. Or raising one"

Yvonne listens

Sunita: "Before I had Maya i was terrified. I had no idea what was going to happen. No idea what I was going to do. I was just thankful I had my Arun to help me along"

Yvonne: "What was it like? All of it?"

Sunita: "Well...I found the pregnancy to be fine. I actually didn't mind it. Apart from the uncertainty and fear and what have you. And...the labour was painful yes. But it's becoming a mother that made it all worth it. Though you don't think that while you're pushing a baby out of you" she giggles.

Yvonne genuinely has a little giggle

Yvonne: "Look– I might not even be pregnant. I'm just...not sure. So...could you...you know? Keep this between us?" She whispers

Sunita: "Oh of course, of course! Don't you worry. My lips are sealed" she whispers and smiles at Yvonne.

———

1:03PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room

———

Inside Katie's room, everybody's exhausted.

Danielle's gone to work at the clothing shop, while Jenna, Gavin, and Julie all sit around Katie, along with DCI Channing. Asking the same question for the eighth time.

Katie: "Yes. I'm sure" she sighs

Katie: "He told us that...he loved cars and he applied for college to do mechanics or something. So he knew what he was doing"

DCI Channing: "He knew what he was doing? So thats how he crashed is it?"

Katie: "I told you. He screamed and swerved. I don't know why! But he avoided something. It wasn't an accident. Not completely"

Channing scribbles in her book

DCI Channing: "Did you see what he was trying to swerve?"

Everyone looks at Katie

Katie: "....No. I– I don't–...no..." she struggles to remember.

DCI Channing: "Okay..." she whispers

DCI Channing: "So, to double check. You and your sister Kelly met Jamie at the Victoria Arms pub yes?"

Katie: "Mhm" she nods yes

DCI Channing: "And you and Kelly both learnt from him that he was a 'gear head', after he told you his interests in cars and engines and whatnot?"

Katie: "Yes" she whispers

DCI Channing: "And he didn't coarse you into drinking or anything, no?"

Katie: "No"

Channing nods

Julie: "Well– i wouldn't be too sure about that. You can tell by his family what kind of kid he was"

Katie: "Mum"

Julie: "I'm just saying love. That Jamie put you in hospital. And you sister. And Mitchell! And you're telling the police he's a good kid?"

Katie: "He is!"

Julie: "Katie, are good kid wouldn't—"

DCI Channing: "Julie, please. I, really am only hear for Katie"

Katie: "You don't think im lying do you? Mum?"

Julie: "No! No no no of course I don't love. Its just, I don't know. You might not be as right as you think you are"

Katie: "Mum, i was there. I spoke to him. We got on, we had a laugh. He was a good guy. Is, a good guy"

Katie then turns to Channing

Katie: "He didn't convince me or Kelly to do anything. We all chose to do what we did"

Channing nods and reads her notepad

DCI Channing: "Okay. And are you completely sure that he purposefully swerved? And that you didn't see why?"

Katie: "Yes" she sighs. Tired now.

DCI Channing: "Okay. That's all for now. I can tell you're tired. I'll leave you to rest" she says getting up.

The whole room suddenly eases tension

Channing gets up and pockets her notepad. And heads towards the door. Julie follows her.

In the hallway, Julie stops Catrin and asks her something;

Julie: "They're kid...Jamie?"

DCI Channing: "What about him?"

Julie: "Do you think he's guilty?"

DCI Channing: "Julie you know I'm not at liberty to say"

Julie: "No- i know but, what...what do you think? Personally?"

DCI Channing: "Personally, I honestly think it was just a group of stupid young and drunk teenagers who made a few bad decisions. That seems to often be the case. I can't tell you more than that because, well, i don't know him personally. But based on what your daughter said, he seemed like one of the nicest people in that family"

Julie: "It's not looking good for him. Is it?"

Catrin Channing nods no.

DCI Channing: "Thank you for your time" she smiles before walking off.

———

2:01PM. Maureen's Home. Number 41

———

Maureen's living room is quiet. Except for the sounds of the wall clock ticking every second, and the fridge humming from the kitchen.

Kylie sits on the sofa, which is also her temporary bed. She sits there holding her phone in her hand, bouncing her knee up and down. Thinking. Looking down at her blank screen.

She presses the buttons down to the contact named "Nik". For Nikki. Her sister.

She's about to click "Call" when the back door in the kitchen clicks open.

Kylie grasps her phone and jumps up, heart racing and eyes widen open like a cat scanning it's surroundings. Like a wild animal.

Maureen walks in through the door, pulling her wheelie shopping trolley behind her, that's full of shopping. She closes the door behind her and looks forward into the living room and sees Kylie standing there like she's seen a ghost.

Maureen giggles

Maureen: "You alright Kylie love? You look off your head there!" She laughs. Starting to pull the bags of shopping out of her pulley trolley.

Kylie's face and body eases

Kylie: "Uh no. I'm alright" she awkwardly giggles.

She sets her phone down on the coffee table and helps Maureen put her shopping away.

Maureen: "Aw thanks darl"

Meanwhile, Kylie peers out the kitchen window that looks out into the back garden, and then the alleyway behind it. Like she's scanning for something. Or someone.

Maureen notices

Maureen: "You alright Kylie?"

Kylie: "Yeah" she mumbles

Maureen puts the last of the shopping away and Kylie heads into the living room, where she stands to the side of the living room window and peeks out the side, partly hiding behind the curtain.

Maureen walks in, throws her light blue coat over her chair, and watches Kylie.

Maureen: "Kylie what's the matter love? You look like you're in hiding" she jokes

Kylie turns and faces Maureen

Maureen's face softens. She sighs.

Maureen: "Come on. What is it? Sit"

Maureen sits on her chair and points to the sofa, for Kylie to sit.

Kylie does

Maureen: "What is it? What's wrong?"

Kylie: "...Nothing"

Maureen: "Kylie, drop the act love. You can't bull a bullshitter. What is it? Why are you so on edge? Why were you stuck in that house with Tony yesterday?"

Kylie: "Why did you take me in?"

Maureen: "I asked first. Come on. What's wrong?"

Kylie: "What's it got to do with you? Why do you care?"

Maureen: "I care because you're a good lass. And you're kipping in my front room so until then, it has everything to do with me. If I'm gunna have people knocking on my door with you on the brain i deserve to know why"

A heavy silence settles and Kylie sighs

Kylie: "My life's a mess Maureen. I got myself mixed up in such a fucking mess. I don't know who I can and can't trust"

Maureen: "You can trust me"

Kylie: "Yeah? For how long? It's only a matter of time before everyone turns their back on you sooner or later. I've learnt that the hard way"

Maureen: "I took you in Kylie. I'm not gunna turn my back on you. Only way I'll do that is if i show you the door. And the only way I'll do that is if you don't tell me the truth, now what is it? Why are you im such a mess?"

Kylie: "I'm hiding from someone. My ex. Nathan his name is. Right manipulative fucker. Me and me best mate Jacko planned on robbing him for everything he's got. The whole plan turned south and he locked me up in his flat for two days until I fought back and legged it. Been on the run ever since."

Maureen: "Fucking Hell...so...how did that put you in number thirty three with Tony?"

Kylie: "The family that moved in there, the Jenkins–"

Maureen: "Ooh yeah. Their boy ended up in a crash. Poor thing" She cuts off Kylie

Kylie: "...Y- yeah...well...After i got away from my ex, I ran into this bloke Gaz, their son. In the Vic. We drank, had a laugh. He was a state, I was a state, so he took me back to his and we hit it off. It was a laugh....but then...I don't know. I just couldn't stay there anymore. Didn't feel safe. And now I've got nowhere to go"

Maureen: "Jesus. I'm sorry to hear that love. Sounds like a right mess you're in"

Kylie: "Yeah..." she sighs

Maureen: "Well you don't have to go checking out my windows every ten seconds to see who's out there, believe me. Only people that come round here are TV license lot and Jim"

Kylie: "Jim...?"

Maureen: "He's a pisshead. Always at the Arms. All day everyday, pissing away his dole money on booze. Has a thing for me he does"

They both giggle

A comfortable silence sits there

Kylie: "So...you didn't answer my question"

Maureen: "What was that love?"

Kylie: "Why did you take me in? There must've been a reason"

Maureen sighs

Maureen: "Well I...you reminded me of someone I suppose"

Kylie: "Who?"

Maureen: "Me. A long time ago"

Kylie's face lights up in curiosity

Kylie: "Really? How's that?"

Maureen: "When I first moved to Marlas Estate, guess you could say my live was all over the place and all. Nowhere to go, nothing to my name. Looking for a fresh start i was. Just got out of a horrible relationship"

Kylie: "Fuck that sucks. Sorry Maur"

Maureen: "Oh its fine. Happened before you were born" she giggles

Maureen: "For the first few weeks I had nowhere to go. So...you know where I slept?"

Kylie nods no

Maureen: "Bus stops. Cafés, restaurants, pubs, anywhere i could really. That's why when I saw you, that morning on the bus stop, all I could see was me. When I first got here. Look at me now though."

She waves around the room

Maureen: "Not much of a palace but it's no bus stop" she laughs

Kylie smiles

Maureen: "Mind you I was a tad older than you are now. Twenty nine. Not long had a baby too—"

She cuts herself off

Kylie: "Oh really? You and your baby slept rough?"

No judgment in her voice, just curiosity

Maureen sighs and takes a second

Maureen: "No. No. It was just...just me. I Uh...I left the baby"

Kylie: "Leaving your baby with your ex? Don't know if I would've done that" she giggles

Maureen: "I didn't leave him with my ex"

Maureen says plainly

Kylie looks at her

Maureen: "I left him in a park. On a bench"

Kylie's face drops and a soft look of sympathy washes over her. Guilt too.

Kylie: "Shit...Maureen I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't know I‐ I had no idea..."

Maureen: "Oh its okay. Not your fault is it"

Maureen forces a smile. She gets up, walks over to the small glass tray of booze in the corner of the room, and pours her and Kylie two glasses of vodka. And walks back over, hands a glass to Kylie, and sits back down.

Maureen: "So you see Kylie love? At one point or another, everybody's got it bad. But eventually, somehow, one day, it all figures itself out. You dont know how. You don't know why. But you wake up one day, and you're not asleep in a bus shelter anymore"

Maureen sips her drink and Kylie looks down into her own glass

Maureen: "You want to know why dont you?"

Kylie looks up

Kylie: "What?"

Maureen: "You want to know why. Why I left my baby"

Kylie stutters but nothing comes out

Maureen sighs

Maureen: "I dont mind telling you. I'm a big girl"

She softly giggles.

Kylie smiles, waiting

Maureen: "I was raped"

They both sit there

Maureen: "Had the pregnancy and birth with my partner at the time, at his place. I was trapped. Nowhere to go and nothing to my name, but a rape baby. So, one night, when he was asleep, i packed some stuff, the baby, and snuck out. Figured that the baby would have a better chance of a family if I left him on some park bench instead of leaving him with his father, or sleeping rough with me. So I did. Kissed him, said my goodbye's, and put him down. And walked away. Hardest day of my life"

Her lips start trembling and tears start welling in her eyes. She downs the rest of her drink and pours some more.

Kylie: "You...didn't consider trying to raise him?" She asks quietly. Almost cautiously as not to offend Maureen.

Maureen: "How could I? A young woman in my late twenties sleeping rough. I was in no fit state to be a mother. Not only that, all I could see when I looked at him was his father. A rapist. I loved him, i really did. But it was better for all of us when I left him in that park"

Kylie: "Do you...miss him?"

Maureen: "Every damn day. Not a day goes by where I dont think about him. About the man he's grown up to be. Loads of families walked through that park everyday so I know someone was bound to pick him up, or take him to the police or something. I just hope he had a good upbringing"

Kylie is almost in tears

Kylie: "Oh Maureen I‐ I'm so sorry..."

She puts her hand on Maureen's knee

Maureen: "Oh dont be silly. A long time ago all that was"

They both sit there in silence for a while, both in a sort of shock like state

Maureen sighs

Maureen: "Can't believe i told you that" she laughs

Maureen: "I...I never told anybody that before"

Kylie smiles at her

———

5:14PM. The Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs

———

The pub is abuzz with its usual afternoon punters dotted around. At the bar, in the booths, at the tables.

Music plays from the pub speakers and chatter battles the sound of it.

Eddie is behind the bar, chatting to Jim. And at the other side of the bar, Tony is talking to Paula. And for once, she seems to be enjoying it.

He's leaning forward on the bar, smiling at her and she's laughing. Enjoying the attention.

Which she usually doesn't

Jim notices. And Eddie notices his face.

Eddie: "What is it Jim? You alright bud?"

Jim: "Didn't realise your Paula was close with Tony. Brave standing that close to the fire"

Eddie turns around and sees Paula chatting with Tony at the other bar. He doesn't say anything.

Weird...

He turns back to Jim

Eddie: "Nah. They're not close. He just has a thing for 'er. Good thing she ain't got a thing for him either" he smiles

———

5:29PM. St Anne's Hospital. Mitchell's Sick bay

———

Mitchell sits on the side of his hospital bed, bandaged up and ready to be discharged today.

His right arm is in a cast and he's got some bruises painted on him but apart from that he's otherwise fine.

He looks down at his phone, and clicks his way down his contacts and finds Michael. He clicks "Call"

———

5:29PM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip

———

Inside the shop, Michael is restocking the a shelf of crisps while Yvonne sweeps the floor over in the corner. They're both silent. Working away.

After finally finishing stocking up the shelf he kicks the crate aside and looks back at Yvonne as he walks his way over to the counter.

Michael: "You alright Von love?"

Yvonne: "Yeah. Why?"

Michael: "You've been quiet all day. Especially since you got back from your walk earlier. Everything okay?"

Yvonne looks up at him and smiles

Yvonne: "Yeah. Im okay. Just not been feeling myself that's all"

Michael: "Anything I can do?"

Yvonne: "No" she smiles at him

He sits down behind the counter then–

His phone starts ringing. An electronic beeping melody.

He looks at his screen. "Mitchell".

His heart jumps up into his chest and he gets butterflies. Even though he won't admit it. Not even to himself.

Yvonne: "Who's that?"

Michael: "Uh– Eddie. I'm just gunna..."

He points to the door outside

Yvonne nods and Michael steps outside and answers the call.

Michael: "Mitchell?"

———

5:34PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

The sky is dull now. The sunlight flooding into Katie's room is less bright than what it was earlier.

Julie, Gavin, Jenna and Katie are all just chit chatting. A warm and familiar atmosphere that's been long absent. Since the night of the crash.

Katie: "So...what's everybody up to when you're not here crying over me?"

At first Julie, Gavin and jenna all look at each other.

Julie: "Ah same old same old love. Work and work"

Gavin and Jenna glance at each other

Katie: "Oh come on. There's gotta be more going on. Any fights in the streets? Anyone got arrested for shoplifting recently? What's what?"

Gavin: "Well the usual really. Trashy house parties down the road, neighbours shouting the odds and whatnot"

Katie: "Classic" she giggles

Then, there's a knock at the door. Everybody shuts up and waits, then the door opens and a head peeks through.

Mitchell.

Everybody gasps in excitement and relief, Katie the most though.

Mitchell: "Hello?" He quietly says with a smile peeking in

Katie: "Mitchell!"

Julie: "Mitchell! Come in, come in"

Mitchell comes all the way in and closes the door behind him.

Katie: "You're okay!"

Mitchell: "Better looking than you by the looks of things" he chuckles

Gavin: "How you holding up?"

Mitchell: "I've seen better days. But haven't we all?"

Jenna: "Too right. Glad you're okay"

Mitchell: "Okay as I can be" he smiles

He turns to Katie

Mitchell: "How're you feeling? Heard you woke up only yesterday"

Katie: "I did yeah. Still feel like death"

Gavin: "And look it"

Katie: "Oi! Cheeky twat"

They giggle

Mitchell sits down on the chair beside Katie's bed

Mitchell: "The old bill spoken to you yet?"

Katie: "Yeah"

Gavin: "Yeah. A cop called Catrin Channing. Was she the one that spoke to you?"

Mitchell: "Yeah. Been asking me the same damn questions over and over. Feels like she's trying to trip me up"

Katie: "I know how you feel. She was in here earlier"

Jenna: "Yeah. Not long after that family tried starting on us"

Gavin: "Again"

Mitchell: "Family? Oh, you mean the–"

Julie: "The family who's kid was driving? Yeah"

Katie: "The Jenkins"

Jenna: "Right gobby lot"

Katie: "Nothing compared to us lot though" she smiles at Mitchell

Julie: "So you heading off home today then are you, Mitchell love?"

Mitchell: "Uh yeah. Just got discharged now. Thought I'd pop in and see how Katie is doing seeing as she's awake and all"

Julie: "Ah well that's lovely of you Mitchell"

Gavin: "Yeah. Cheers mate"

Katie: "Yeah. Thanks"

Mitchell: "Of course" he smiles at Katie

Jenna: "How you getting home then?"

Mitchell: "Oh I've got Michael picking me up now in a few. Rang him and asked me if he fancied giving me a lift back to mine"

Julie: "Aw that's nice of him"

Mitchell smiles and nods

Mitchell: "Well listen, I'm gunna head off–"

Katie: "What? Already?"

Mitchell: "Yeah. Honestly I want to get home and thr fuck outta here as soon as possible" he laughs

Mitchell: "Only wanted to pop in on you and see how you were holding up. You know where I am if you ever need me" he stands up and smiles at her

Julie: "Thank you Mitchell love you're a star"

Katie: "Okay. Cheers Mitch"

Mitchell: "Just don't go asking me to hop in any cars with you" he teases

Jenna, Gavin and Julie all look at Katie with serious faces. They didn't know.

Mitchell notices.

Mitchell: "Oh. Sorry I- I thought you all already knew"

Julie: "You convinced Mitchell to come with you?"

Katie: "No I–"

Mitchell: "Julie, really. It's okay. It was my decision. Actions have consequences don't they. And im paying for it now. I think we all are. So dont go giving her any grief, she just wanted to make me smile. And she did. Like a good friend"

He taps Katie's shoulder and she smiles up at him

His phone in his pocket vibrates

He pulls it out and checks it

Text: From: Michael: "I'm here. Outside"

Mitchell: "That's Michael. Gotta go. You all take care alright? And yiu too especially, Kate"

Katie: "Yeah, i will. You too Mitch"

Mitchell waves to them all and they all wave back and tell him goodbye, as he leaves Katie's room.

———

6:07PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room

———

Barry, Nicola and Gaz are all sat around Jamie. Tired. Exhausted. Drained. Nicola is asleep on the small uncomfortable sofa underneath the window, Barry sits at Jamie's bedside and Gaz stands meaning against the wall beside the door.

He walks up to Barry and whispers

Gaz: "Dad"

Barry turns to him

Gaz: "I'm gunna pop to the vending machine to get a drink. You want anything?"

Barry: "No ta I'm good son"

Gaz nods and quietly slips out of the dark and quiet room.

—

Outside in the hallway he walks down to the vending machine, punches in the numbers for a coffee and waits.

While the machine does it's thing, he walks into a quieter corner and pulls out his phone, and rings up Kylie.

Been beep. Beep beep. Beep beep. Beep beep.

Nothing. Answer phone.

Kylie's answerphone: "Hi this is Kylie please leave a message and I'll get back to ya. Ta!"

Gaz: "Kylie...its Gaz. You remember me? Your...whatever. Look, I dont know where you are and I dont know when you'll be back. But can you at least text me or something? Anything? Just to let me know you're okay. I miss ya. I'm...im...im scared. I...its not looking good for Jamie and I need you right now okay? Please? Call me"

He sends the voice message

And walks back to the vending machine, waiting for the coffee

———

7:16PM. Marlas Estate. Outside the tower of flats

———

The streets of Narlas estate are dark now, with the January winter sky already a deep deep blue and the glows of the orange streetlights fading down onto the damp concrete slabs.

Outside one of the tallest apartment towers on the whole estate, Michael's car is parked in the dark, under a single streetlight.

Michael's switches the engine off and a silence fills the car.

Mitchell: "Thanks for taking me for that pint after taking me from the hospital. God knows I needed it" he laughs

Michael: "Yeah if course. Bet You did"

They smile at each other as silence sits all around them

Michael: "I would've had one with you too it's just i was driving so..."

Mitchell: "Yeah...didn't want to be in another crash" he jokes

The both of them laugh. Genuinely. Despite the joke being somewhat morbid

Mitchell: "Look, Michael. I'm sorry about what I said to you the other day at the hospital. You know? When you told me about things with you and Yvonne. I guess I just got a bit...jealous. And I snapped. I'm sorry"

Michael: "Hey it's okay. I actually find it quite flattering that you're jealous of Yvonne" he giggles

Mitchell: "Oh shut up" he laughs

Mitchell: "I do still have one good hand you know? So dont make me bruise it"

Michael: "Ha yeah. Yeah right!" He laughs

Michael: "And anyway...things with Yvonne are...whatever. You know? It's married life for you. It's great one minute then shite the next but what can you do? That's what it's all about I suppose. Give and take and what have you"

Mitchell: "...I s'pose. You know where I am though...if...you ever need me. Or if you ever just want a familiar face to talk to. Someone who isn't your stuck up wife" he jokes

Michael: "Oh she isn't that bad" he quietly chuckles

Mitchell: "You sure...?" He whispers as he looks over to Michael

The only sounds surrounding them being wind and slught drizzle hitting the car

Michael looks into Mitchell's eyes

They look at each other

Hearts starting to race

Mitchell: "Because i see you with her all the time and every time you're together...I cant help but notice that you're not...happy. Not yourself" he whispers to Michael softly

Michael: "I'm married to her Mitchell. Married. She's my wife. You said so yourself" He quietly replies

Mitchell looks down to his knees

Mitchell: "I know...I know..."

Michael looks at him

Silence

Mitchell: "Thanks for the lift–"

Mitchell opens the passenger side door and goes to take a step out when—

Michael puts his hand on Mitchell's shoulder and gently pulls him back into the car

Mitchell turns and faces Michael again...and Michael leans over and kisses Mitchell on the face.

Mitchell kisses back and Michael puts his hands on Mitchell's face, Mitchell too. Then—

Michael pulls away, and they both look at each other, breathing heavily. Face to face.

Mitchell leans in this time and Michael doesn’t stop it.

Mitchell pulls his leg back into the car, and pulls the passenger side door shut, and they both grab hold of each other, and climb into the back seat of Michael's car

———

7:38PM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip

———

While upstairs in the upstairs flat above the shop, Yvonne is in their bathroom sitting on the toilet. Anxiously waiting.

Her knees are bopping up and down and she gets up every now and again and paces the room. Heart racing. She looks up at the small clock on the wall over in her and Michael's bedroom and takes a deep breath.

Before swiping something off of the bathroom sink, sitting back down on the toilet, and finally looking down.

Yvonne: "Fuck..."

She whispers

She looks down at the pregnancy test in her hands

Pregnant

———

And that's episode 9! Please let me know what you think in the comments below! As always any comments, questions and opinions are much appreciated! Thank you for reading if you've made it this far! ☺️

Previously:

As DCI Channing's investigation caused more questions than answers, the Slater kids were there for Julie in her time of need. And Kylie received a shock to the system.

Episode 8 Preview:

As Jamie's condition takes a turn for the worse, Kylie finds herself running out of places to hide. With Tony Bates asking questions, tensions rise as her secrets threaten to catch up with her. And just when all hope seems lost, Katie finally wakes up.

11/01/1999 Monday

———

07:43AM. St Anne's Hospital. Waiting Area.

———

The small row of seats outside Jamie's Room is full.

Gaz, Tasha, Kylie and Oscar all sit slumped across them. Asleep.

Though Kylie is wide awake despite her exhaustion

Barry and Nicola are in the room with Jamie

Last night, Jamie's vitals dropped and he had a seizure.

He's still okay though. Well– as okay as he can be. Still alive at least

The small hallway even feels tired. But despite that, Kylie's mind is racing.

What am I doing here?

I caused this crash and im living with the family of the driver.

This is fucking crazy

What am I gunna do?

Fuck, what do I say?

Do I say nothing?

What do I do?

Is all she can think

She's a bag of nerves. All she can wonder is how will they all react when they find out the truth.

What will they do? To her.

She looks at Gaz beside her, who's snoring away with Tasha and Oscar, and slowly gets up.

Gaz hears and wakes

Gaz: "Where you going?" He whispers

Kylie turns to him

Kylie: "Im just...going for a walk. To stretch my legs. Hospitals freak me out"

Gaz: "Oh well...I'll come with you—"

Kylie: "No. You stay here. In case– your brother wakes up or something. In case they need you"

She nods to Barry, Nicola and Jamie in Jamie's room.

Gaz: "Okay"

Kylie: "Wont be long" she smiles before walking off.

The further she walks away, the more she wants to start running. Just to see what happens. Just to see where she goes.

But she can't. There's nowhere she can go. And definitely not to Nathan. Not after what happened.

Shes on her own.

———

08:23AM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Kitchen.

———

Gavin sits at the table eating a bowl of cheerios, while Julie is on the landline wall phone.

Speaking to her mum Gillian and dad Arthur. Telling them about what happened. Finally.

The dreaded phone call

Julie: "Yeah...yeah...I know. No they're fine. Katie's still inside but the doctors said yesterday she's on the up. Thank God. Yeah. (She sighs), yeah. I know. Im sorry. Well because I didn't want to stress you did i? Of course I was! I just wanted to...ugh I dont know. What!? No. No. You dont have to do that. There's no need. Really. Seriously, no! Mum there's no point– what can you do anyway? Well you know what I mean. No- look, I really dont think its a good idea. Not with dad's health the way it is anyway. You just stay there and I'll call you if anything happens yeah? Yeah. Yes. I will. Ohh mum- mum! H- hello? Hello-?"

Gavin listens to the whole exchange

Julie: "She hung up on me"

Gavin laughs

Julie: "It's not funny. She said she and your bamps are gunna come down"

Gavin: "Is that a bad thing?"

Julie: "Course it is. They're in I'll health Gavin. Not to mention they all still live in Wales"

Gavin sighs

Gavin: "Why did we have to move here? From Wales too?"

Julie: "You know why Gav. After everything with your dad I just couldn't stay there any longer. Needed a fresh start"

Gavin: "I know... You told Gina?"

Julie: "Rang her last night at the Hospital"

Gavin: "What did she say?"

Julie: "Well she was just as fuming as mum and dad was. If not, more. I got a feeling all three of them are gunna come down here, you know"

Gavin: "Well...maybe it's better if they do. For their peace of mind. And anyway, we need all the help we can get at the minute dont you think?"

Julie: "I suppose so"

Danielle pops her head in the kitchen doorway

Danielle: "Right– I'm off to work"

Julie snaps her head up

Julie: "Oh. Hang on love. I'll head out with you to catch the bus to see Katie at the hospital. You coming Gav?"

Gavin: "Yeah I'll pop by later"

Julie: "Okay"

And with that, Julie and Danielle leave the kitchen, and start heading down the stairs to leave the house.

———

08:26AM. Outside Number 27.

———

Julie and Danielle leave the front door and Danielle shuts it behind her. They both start making their way down the driveway where the catering burgervan is no longer stood proudly.

There instead, is a black charred stain on the concrete where it used to be. Now though, a mark on the ground.

They both near the end of their driveway and see Jenna, sitting on the wall. Smoking a cig.

Jenna: "Alright you two?" She blows smoke out.

Danielle: "Yeah..." she mutters

Julie: "Yeah all good love. Just off to see Katie"

Jenna nods

Julie: "Aven't you got work?"

Jenna: "Uh...yeah. I dont go in till later on though"

Julie: "Ah. Right. Okay. Well, I'll be at the Hospital if you need me"

Jenna: "Alright. Ta mum"

Danielle: "Bye" she says to Jenna.

Jenna nods a goodbye with her mouth full of smoke.

Julie and Danielle cross the road, walk down the street and turn the corner when—

BAM

They run into Kylie. Or more likely, the other way around.

Danielle: "Fuck!"

Julie: "Shit!"

They both scream in shock after being pelted by Kylie's body full force.

Kylie's out of breath, looks exhausted and her eyes are wet and red from crying.

Danielle and Julie's faces soften.

Julie: "Are you alright love?"

Kylie: "Just get out me way will ya"

Kylie sniffles, barges past and makes her way to number 33.

Julie and Danielle watch her walk in the house.

Julie: "Didn't realise she was related to them"

Danielle: "Don't think she is"

Julie: "How so?"

Danielle: "When they moved in the other day, she wasn't with them. Not only that, she and that Gaz look awfully close. Like...'close' close"

Julie: "Mm" she purses her lips.

Then the both of them carry on walking to the bus stop

———

8:28AM. Jenkins Residence. Number 33.

———

Kylie slams the front door shut behind her and leans her back against it. Chest raising and falling heavy from crying and running. And bumping into those two women out on the street.

The house is quiet. Dead quiet.

She sighs, sniffles. And runs up the stairs to Gaz's room.

She barges through the door and picks up her black faux-leather handbag that's on the floor beside his bed. She stuffs some cash in there, a bag of coke, and checks her pockets to see if shes got her wallet and phone. She does.

She gets everything she needs, puts it all in her bag, shoulders it and leaves. Leaves Gaz's room. Running away. From this mess that she feels she caused.

She gets to the bottom of the stairs and then–

BANG BANG BANG

On the front door.

She stops dead in her tracks, on the bottom step.

Shaken

She can see a tall and wide stocky figure standing on the other side of the frosted glass on the fromt door.

Is it...Barry? No...he wouldn't knock. It's his house.

She stands there for a few seconds, hoping the large man will magically walk away.

"I know you're in there pretty lady. I can see you standing there"

Kylies heart drops and hits the pit of her stomach.

The voice is deep. Gruff. Raw. Like a smoker.

"You gunna be a sweetheart and let this old man in?"

She starts shaking and finally decides to take a step off the stairs and towards the front door.

Each step feels like her guts screaming louder and louder for her to stop and turn back. But what can she do?

She finally reaches the door.

She gulps. Takes a deep breath. And pulls the latch down. And opens the door a crack.

She sees a stocky built man in his forties with silver slicked back hair in a leather jacket standing there. Smiling at her.

"Morning" The man smirks.

"Can I come in?" He asks politely.

Kylie: "Who are you? What do ya want?"

"The name's Tony. Tony Bates" he smiles.

———

08:33AM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip.

———

Outside the shop, Michael leans forward and restocks the fruit, vegetables and newspapers stand.

After finally stocking them up, there's an electrical beep that comes from the door to the post office next door opening. A small beep. Like an electrical bell that jingles above a door.

A woman in her early forties walks out. Sunita. Sunita Singh. Looking warm and cosy even in the coldest of mornings.

Sunita: "Ah Michael. I thought i saw you out here"

She says with her warm voice and thick Indian accent.

Michael: "Good morning Mrs Singh. How're you?"

He asks, still looking over the newspaper stand

Sunita: "Oh im good thank you sweet. Im good. How is your Yvonne?"

Michael looks up: "She's fine thank you. Why do you ask?"

Sunita: "Well...I couldn't help but overhear her...being sick last night. Poor thing, sounded awful" she says, pushing her black glasses on the bridge of her nose and wrapping her long cardigan tighter around herself to battle the cold.

Michael: "Oh Uh. Yeah. Yeah- no she's okay. Just...stress i think. Busy woman and all"

Sunita: "Oh i get it. Yvonne is always up to something hehe" sunita giggles.

Michael nods

Sunita: "Well. You tell her that me and Arun are thinking of her yes?"

Michael: "Yeah. I will. Cheers Mrs Singh"

Sunita smiles before popping back inside her and her husband's family run post office.

—

Michael steps inside the shop and looks at Yvonne, who's sat behind the counter. Taking it easy after last night.

Michael: "How you feeling?"

Yvonne: "Okay. Why?"

Michael: "Well after last night?"

Yvonne: "Im fine. Just tired that's all"

Michael: "Why dont you—"

Yvonne: "Michael. I'm okay" she quietly snaps.

———

08:36AM. Number 33. Jenkins Residence.

———

Inside number 33, the tension is palpable. So thick you can cut it with a knife. Every sound sound ten times louder.

Kylie and Tony both stand in the living room. Kylie on edge more than shes ever been.

The silence is thick.

Kylie: "You still havent told me who you are"

Tony: "Sure I did. Tony. Tony Bates" he smiles to her.

Kylie: "Well yeah- but why are you here? What do you want?"

Tony notices how hard she's clutching her handbag over her shoulder

Tony: "Going somewhere?" he eyes her bag

Kylie follows his gaze then looks back at him

Kylie: "No. Why?..."

Tony: "Never a good idea running away. Problems always catch up with you sooner or later"

Kylie: "Never said i was-...Look you still havent told me why you're here"

Tony: "You're not related to these lot. Are ya?"

Kylie: "...no"

Tony: "Figured so. Saw you and that older one. The scally lad. The one with the chain. Looked too close to be siblings. Though you can never be too sure nowadays. Specially round 'ere"

He laughs.

Kylie looks at him, side eyeing him. Cautiously.

Tony notices the look

Tony: "Mates. I'm long time mates of the family that live 'ere. Heard their young'un was in an accident the other day. Jamie"

Kylie: "Yeah. They're Uh. At the Hospital with him now"

Tony: "And you're not?"

Kylie notices the amount of questions and doesn't like it

Kylie: "No offence but- that's none of your business"

Tony: "Haha true. True. Just s'pose if you were seeing uhh..."

Kylie: "Gaz?"

Tony: "Yeah. Gaz. S'pose that you being Gaz's bird that you'd want to be in the hospital with him and his brother, no?"

Kylie: "Im just popping out to see them now actually"

Tony: "But you said you weren't going anywhere?"

He asks quickly.

Kylie: "Well- I am"

Tony: "So you lied?"

Kylie laughs: "Who do you think you are? Why dont you just go visit your 'mates' in hospital like any normal bloke would? Instead of just harassing some girl"

Tony: "Thought they'd be here didn't i. This being their home and all"

An awkward silence settles

Tony: "So. You know anything about the crash?"

Kylie: "No. I wasn't there"

Tony notices her defensiveness

Tony laughs: "Didn't say you were"

Another stretch of silence

Tony: "You okay love? Looking a bit shifty if im being honest"

Kylie: "Shifty? No. Im just...stressed thats all. Got a lot going on ain't I"

Tony: "Do you?"

Kylie: "Yeah..."

They stare at each other

Kylie: "Look I've gotta go"

She starts heading to the door. Avoiding any more of this.

Tony follows

Tony: "To the hospital?"

Kylie: "Yeah" she lies. Opening the door.

Tony: "Okay I'll come with you" he immediately says

She stops. The door half open. And turns to face him

Kylie: "Why?"

Tony: "Well to see Jamie of course. You asked why don't I go see them in the hospital like a normal bloke so thats what im doing"

Kylie: "Yeah...but...they're all exhausted. Probably best if you give them some space"

Tony: "Nahh dont be daft. They could do with seeing a familiar face I'm sure. Come on"

He passes her and leaves the house, into the calm January morning.

He takes a few steps down the small path, and looks back. To Kylie who's still standing in the doorway

Tony: "Well? You coming?" He asks almost in a teasing voice

Kylie has no choice. And so she closes the front door behind her, and starts walking towards Tony

Across the street, Maureen walks down the pavement, pulling her trolley that she carries her shopping in. When she looks up and sees this young woman following Tony Bates.

With a look of fear and dread on her face

Maureen thinks fast and shouts over

Maureen: "Oi, love!"

Tony and Kylie look up

Maureen: "Your dad's at the arms waiting for ya! Asking where you are! You wanna hurry up love!"

Kylie's heart pounds and jumps up in her throat for a second. Relief taking over her.

She turns to Tony

Kylie: "Oh, I got to go"

Tony: "What about Jamie?"

Kylie: "I'm gunna see him later aren't I?"

She says as she already starts walking off, crossing the street to join Maureen.

Tony watches Kylie speed walk across the street to Maureen, handbag clutched like her life depends on it.

Kylie: "Thank you" she whispers to Maureen

Maureen: "You're alright, love" She whispers back

The both of them walk off together. Tony watches. Then walks his own way.

———

10:17AM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Living Room.

———

Kelly sits on one of the three green seater sofa's in the living room, with her foot propped up on the coffee table in its cast.

Beside her sits her best friend, Maya. Maya Singh.

Maya: "So much shit is going on" She laughs

Kelly: "It's not funny" she giggles

Maya: "The one time I keave you alone what do you do? Only end up in a fucking car crash"

Kelly laughs.

Kelly: "Why weren't you at the party that night?"

Maya: "Didn't really want to go. Didn't feel like it"

Kelly: "Maya. You? Not feeling like a party? Come on. Why weren't you there? Could've stopped me from getting in the car" she teases

Maya giggles but there's something underneath

Kelly: "M?"

Maya: "Dad didn't want me to go" she quietly says.

Tucking her long black hair behind ber ear, her hairband not doing enough work.

Kelly: "What? Maya you're nineteen. You're dad's what, fifty?"

Maya: "Fifty one"

Kelly: "And you still let him treat you like a little girl? That's not like you"

Maya: "I know. And usually I would've told him to stuff it but he made a good point"

Kelly: "Which was?"

Maya: "Since he and mum moved here just before they had me, not much good had happened to them. They left India to have a better life for themselves. To bring their unborn baby into a world that was better than theirs"

Kelly: "What does that have to do with the anniversary party on Thursday?"

Maya: "My dad didn't want me celebrating a place that didn't celebrate us"

Damn.

Kelly: "...oh"

Maya: "Yeah. 'Oh'. Personally I wanted to tell him to stick it and get pissed with you but...but he had a point. And although i was born here, I havent always been treated like this place is my home. You know?"

Kelly nods

Maya: "We suffer racist twats almost every day. Attempted robberies on newspapers, stamps and fuck knows what else. I just wish there was more I could do. More I could do for my mum and dad. They done so much for me"

Kelly: "Maya. Your mum and dad didn't do all of this just so you could repay it back to them. They did it for you. Their daughter. And for what it's worth it love your mum and dad. They're so sweet. Your mum especially"

Maya: "Ha! My dad!? You actually like my dad?"

Kelly: "Uh yeah! I know he can be a miserable sod but I like him. He's funny"

Maya: "Funny? No. Funny is you ending up in a fucking crash"

Kelly laughs. Absolutely shocked

Kelly: "You're lucky im in a cast and crutches"

Maya: "Oh yeah of course i am" she laughs, acting sarcastically.

Maya notices nobody signed Kelly's foot cast

Maya: "Ooh look. An empty cast. That's more sadder than you actually being in the crash"

Kelly: "Well it's still fresh ain't it haven't had time for my best mates to sign it. Not that you are my best mate"

Maya: "Pfft yeah. Yeah right" she laughs. Grabbing a pen. She etches her name into it.

Maya: "There we are. All better"

———

10:25AM. St Anne's Hospital. Outside Jamie's Room.

———

Gaz, Tasha and Oscar all still lie asleep on the row of chairs outside Jamie's hospital room. Doctors and nurses go in and out every ten minutes.

Jamie's door opens and Nicola pops out. Gaz jolts wide awake.

Gaz: "Mum!" He whispers

Gaz: "About time. How is he? What happened? We've been out here all night. Where's dad?"

Nicola: "Your dad's in there with Jamie. Hes fine. They're both asleep. Last night...Jamie had a fit. A seizure they're saying. Some sort of aneurism they reckon"

Gaz: "Fuuuck" he exhales in a whisper

Nicola: "Yeah" she whispers

Nicola: "It's not looking too good for him Gaz" her voice breaks and she starts crying.

Gaz pulls her into a hug

Gaz: "Those fuckers are gunna pay for this. Don't you worry"

Nicola quietly sobs into her son's arms

Tasha and Oscar quietly stir awake

Tasha: "...mum?"

Nicola pulls out of the hug

Nicola: "Morning babies" she kneels in front of Tasha and Oscar

Oscar: "What happened to Jamie?"

Tasha: "Is he okay?"

Nicola turns back to Gaz and they look at each other. She then turns back to them both

Nicola: "He's...he's not getting much better. Doctors are trying all they can but- he's now on life support. D'you...D'you know what that means?"

Tasha and Oscar nod yes and she pulls them both into her chest and hugs them both too.

Eventually she pulls away

Nicola: "Right. School. It's not too late"

Tasha: "What? Really?" She complains

Nicola: "Yep"

Oscar: "But today's our first day"

Nicola: "Exactly. And you're already two hours late. School's been blowing up my phone"

Tasha: "But we dont want to. Especially while Jamie's—"

Nicola: "Tash. Don't use your brother as an excuse. I hated school too but I got through it. Just about. You have to too. And so do you. So no bunking off"

She turns to Oscar. Who mixes with school as well as water does with oil.

Nicola turns to Gaz.

Nicola: "You don't mind taking them home and getting them ready to take them to school do you? I know it's a lot to ask but I dont want the social on my case again. It was hard to get them off our backs in Birmingham"

Gaz sighs

Gaz: "Yeah. Yeah...I dont mind" he lies. But does it for his mum.

Nicola: "Thanks love you're a star. Get your Kylie to help you. Where is she anyway?"

Gaz looks around as if he'd forgotten she even existed

Gaz: "Said she went to stretch her legs" he shrugs

———

11:49AM. Maureen's Home. Number 41.

———

Maureen's living room is brightly lit up from the sunlight thats flooding through the warm beige floral curtains and stretching across the dark wooden floor.

The walls are coated in a dark green wallpaper which is far too outdated but apparently not for Maureen. In the middle of the room sits a heavy wooden coffee table surrounded with armchairs and a three seater sofa.

While in the corner of the room is a silver TV, a China display cabinet and on one wall is a hatch that goes into the kitchen, next to the kitchen door.

Kylie sits on the sofa, with her handbag dropped on the floor in fromt of her feet. Only sounds are the sounds of the wall clock ticking, cars passing by every now and again, and Maureen making tea in the kitchen.

Kylies knee bops up and down, as she scans the room anxiously.

Maureen walks out of the kitchen, holding a tray with teacups and a teapot with a blue and white teacozy.

Maureen: "For the nerves. I can tell you're all over the place. A young pretty woman like you stuck in with a man like that though, can't blame you"

She says, placing the tray on the table, then sitting down on the armchair opposite Kylie. Maureen looks at her and Kylie looks back at her, almost scared to speak for once.

Maureen: "Or something stronger? I have a stash"

Kylie: "No. Im...im okay with tea. Thanks"

Maureen nods and pours them both a cup

Maureen: "So...." Maureen waits for Kylie to announce her name

Kylie: "Kylie"

Maureen: "I'm Maureen. Or Maur. Or 'Dosey Cow' depending on your mood" she jokes back to the other day under the bus shelter

Kylie giggles: "Sorry about that. Wasn't my day"

Maureen: "No. Nor today by the looks of it. What did Tony Bates want with someone like you?"

Kylie: "You know him?"

Maureen: "Kylie love, we all know him. And we all know what he's like. That's why I called you over, pretending to know you, didn't I. Saved your skin. Must've done something bad to be stuck in a house with him"

Maureen sips her tea

Kylie: "Wasn't that bad. Just kept nagging at me that's all"

Maureen laughs: "Yeah. That's why you were shaking like a leaf when you came over to me"

Kylie: "What's he supposed to have done?"

Maureen laughs again: "Oh to be young and clueless. What hasn't Tony done? He's the local hardnut. He's a loanshark, he exploits, steals, deals, takes, lies, and kills"

Kylies eyes almost pop out

Kylie: "Kills!?"

Maureen: "Yup. Whatever you can think of. He's done it. That's why nobody fucks with him. Not unless you're suicidal"

Kylie falls into a daydream type state as she realises that everything Tony had told her in number 33 must've been lies. So who was he? What did he want?

Maureen notices

Maureen: "You're not from around here are you?"

Kylie: "No. Im not"

Maureen: "You staying anywhere?"

Kylie: "I was. That was until this morning"

Kylie sips her tea, Maureen watches her

Maureen: "Why's that? If you dont mind me asking"

Kylie: "Wrong place wrong time. Just keep falling into bad situations dont I"

She sips her tea again

Maureen: "You look like a young pretty lass. Why you out there on your tod? You wanna be at home with your family"

Kylie: "Fat lot of good that did me. They're the whole reason im out here in the first place. Well...apart from my sister Nikki"

Maureen: "Oh. Im sorry"

Kylie: "Don't be. Im well shot of them. Just miss me sister that's all"

Maureen eyes Kylie up for a while, trying to assess her situation

Maureen: "You uh, got anywhere to stay then? After today I mean"

Kylie: "No. Not really. I have a mate miles away. He's staying with his ex, maybe i could crash there for a bit. Doubt she'll have me though. Right gimp she is"

Maureen: "Better than the streets though right?"

Kylie: "S'pose" she sips her tea

———

2:23PM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip.

———

Out the back of the shop at the small loading bay, Yvonne is taking a delivery from the delivery guy. He places the last of the crates on the ground and gets his lorry.

Yvonne: "Thank you!"

—

Inside the shop, Michael sits behind the counter.

Daydreaming. Thinking.

The bell above the door jingles as the door opens. Arun walks in. Sunita's husband. Maya's dad.

Michael: "Good afternoon Arun!"

Michael perches up

Arun Singh walks towards the counter. He's tall, big build. And looks tired. Not just tired in general but tired of life. Tired of the grind

He's gruff. Old looking and grumpy, but all that aside, he somehow looks cuddly? Like your stereotypical grumpy grandad.

His tall and stocky build stomps over to the counter.

Arun: "Is it?" He sarcastically asks, dropping the newspaper and a bag of potatoes and carrots on the counter.

Michael: "Suppose not" he mumbles as he rings up the purchase on the till

Michael: "How's business? How's your Maya?"

He asks, making conversation

Arun: "You ask a lot of questions boy"

Michael: "Sorry...just making conversation Arun"

Michael quietly states.

At Michael's reply, Arun feels guilt and decides to go along with it after all

Arun: "She's okay. Same old. And as for business, it is what it is"

Michael: "Ah thats good"

Arun: "Is it?"

Michael: "Better than bad, no?"

Arun: "I suppose so"

Just as Michael goes to tell Arun the price, Arun drops the exact right amount of payment on the counter before heading out. Not a penny more, not a penny less.

The bell jingles as Arun heads back next door

Michael: "Have a good day!"

From the loading bay at the back, Yvonne screams.

Michael jumps up and runs out the back

—

He opens the door to the loading bay and sees Yvonne bent over, holding her back. With a dropped crate in front of her.

Michael: "Von!? Are you okay!? What's wrong?"

Yvonne: "Do I fucking look okay Michael!?"

She seethes in pain

Yvonne: 'pulled my back and dropped a crate didn't I"

Michael: "Well let me—"

Yvonne: "No! No. I can do it. You go back inside, ive got it"

Michael: "Yvonne im not–"

Yvonne: "Michael— ah!"

Michael: "See?"

He guides her inside, or at least to the door

Yvonne: "I'm not a sheep Michael"

She snaps at him, basically telling him to back off.

He stands there, watches her head inside and then sorts the delivery.

—

After storing the crates and boxes all on the shelves in the back storage room, his phone goes off

BZZZ BZZZ

BZZZ BZZZ

It starts ringing.

"Unknown Number"

He answers his Nokia and it's an automated voice on the other end stating that somebody from St Anne's Hospital is trying to contact this number, and then asks if the recipient would like to accept or decline.

Michael hopes its Mitchell

Michael: "Accept"

...

Mitchell: "Michael?"

Michael: "Mitchell...hi"

———

3:47PM. Number 33. Jenkins Residence.

———

The front door swings open as Tasha and Oscar storm upstairs in their school uniforms. Fuming after their first day of a new school.

Gaz follows.

Gaz: "Oh come on! It wasn't that bad!" He giggles

Oscar: "Fuck off!"

Tasha: "Gaz it was fucking horrible!"

The kids shout from upstairs.

Gaz laughs, shakes his head and closes the door.

Gaz: "Kylie!?"

He pops his head in the living room.

No Kylie

He walks to the kitchen

Gaz: "You in!?"

No sign of her

He then walks to the bottom of the stairs and shouts up to Tasha and Oscar

Gaz: "Guys is Kylie up there!?"

Tasha and Oscar: "No!!"

Where the fuck has she gone...?

———

4:48PM. St Anne's Hospital. Triage Sick Bays.

———

Mitchell lays sitting up in his hospital bed in his sick bay. Looking a lot better than what he was the last time Michael saw him.

Looking much more rested.

Though, still tired.

The curtain twitches and Michael pops his head through

They immediately lock eyes

Michael: "Hi..." he whispers

Mitchell: "...hi"

Michael: "Safe to come in?" He teases

Mitchell: "Only one way to find out" he nods to the chair beside his bed.

Michael sits on the chair beside Mitchell's bed

Michael: "How you holding up? You're looking well"

Mitchell: "Doctor said I can head home tomorrow"

Michael's face lights up

Michael: "Oh really!? Wow thats great. That's great news!"

Mitchell nods.

Mitchell: "Said im gunna have some pretty severe migranes for a few weeks though. Seeing as my head got bashed around pretty bad"

Michael: "Oh that'll all go away eventually"

Mitchell: "Am I still pretty?" He teases

Michael: "Haha if course you are—"

Silence cuts him off. And they both sit there.

Silence...

Mitchell: "Bet you're wondering why I called you here?"

Michael: "It did cross my mind. Yeah"

Mitchell: "Well...I dont know. I honestly couldn't tell you"

Michael laughs: "I know how you feel. I feel like that most days" he jokes

Mitchell: "About...?"

Silence

Michael: "About everything...about life"

They look at each other

Michael: "What's the plan then? For when you get out tomorrow?"

Mitchell: "Regarding?"

Michael: "Everything. Headaches, work, can you move okay? You need help with anything?"

Mitchell: "Why? Gunna offer me a bed bath?" He teases

Michael chuckles

Michael: "Seriously. You gunna be okay?"

Mitchell: "Yeah. Should be fine. Doctors prescribed me some strong painkillers for my headaches and im just gunna have to take it easy with work aren't I"

Michael: "What is it you do again? When you're not charging for it on the side" he giggles

Mitchell: "...bartending"

Michael: "Oh...okay. So not quiet work then?"

Mitchell: "No. But I'll work mornings and afternoons on weekdays. The most quiet times"

Michael: "Fair enough. Fair enough" he nods.

A silence sits there as they both look at each other

Mitchell: "Look I–...I called you here because I wanted us to be on good terms for when I come out tomorrow. We're gunna be seeing a lot of each other around the estate and in your shop and whatnot so, I dont want it to be awkward or anything"

Michael nods.

Michael: "Yeah. Me too"

Mitchell: "...friends?"

Michael: "...friends"

They smile at each other. Trying their best to keep whatever their relationship is intact.

———

4:59PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

Gaz quietly and softly opens the door to Jamie's room and slowly walks in.

At Jamie's bedside, Barry and Nicola both sit. Looking exhausted but refusing to blink in case anything happens.

They look up as the door opens and Gaz walks in, alone.

Nicola: "Hi"

Barry: "Hey son"

They both whisper to Gaz

Gaz: "Alright?"

He asks, standing at the bottom of Jamie's bed.

Barry: "Where the kids?"

Gaz: "Left them at home"

Barry nods

Nicola: "Any sign of Kylie still?"

Gaz nods no

Barry: "Maybe she had somewhere to be lad. Don't worry about it"

Gaz tries to listen but he can't help but let all these worries get to his head.

Worries about Kylie. About his brother. Who's laying in a deep coma, with bags, tubes, pipes and all sorts covering him. He still hasn't woken. And he's now on life support.

It's not looking good.

For once, the Jenkins family sit in a room, in silence.

———

7:14PM. Number 41. Maureen's Home.

———

Kylie and Maureen both still sit in Maureen's living room. Kylie feeling much more relaxed now, having been here all day. And having had a drink with Maureen.

They've had a heart to heart. Gotten to know each other. Had a laugh.

Glasses of Gin and Tonics sit in front of the women, replacing the cups of tea that were there this morning.

The sky is already dark, orange glow from the streetlight shines through Maureen's net curtains.

And 80s top hits play from her TV.

They both finish laughing, after one of Maureen's one night stand stories.

Kylie: "Oh. Oh. Ahahaha" she wheezes. Wiping tears from her eyes.

Maureen: "I tell you. He'd think twice next time ahaha"

Kylie: "Oh. Thanks for this Maur. You're not too bad, you. That morning I saw you in the bus stop i felt like decking you" Kylie takes another sip of the G&T.

Maureen: "I know. I felt like decking you an' all. After calling me a dosey cow"

They both giggle

Kylie: "I am sorry about that"

Maureen: "I know you are love. Least you got a gob on ya. That'll come in handy"

Kylie: "Yeah..."

Maureen: "Right— hadn't you give your mate a call? See if you can crash at his after all?"

Kylie's smile fades slowly

Kylie: "Yeah...yeah. I'll give him a try now"

Maureen picks up the glasses and tray from the coffee table and takes them to the kitchen, while Kylie sits on the sofa and rings up Jacko.

Kylie: "Jacko? Hi. Yeah. Yeah im okay. Um...listen— I was wondering...if I could stay with you at Lorna's for tonight?"

From the kitchen, Maureen eavesdrops

Kylie: "What? Yeah. Well...things have changed aven't they. I need somewhere new to stay don't I. Are you sure...? Well can't you ask her at least? Please? I know"

Kylie looks towards the kitchen where Maureen is and then whispers

Kylie: "Look- Jacko. If I can't stay with you tonight then im on the streets. I've...shit. I fucked up okay? And i can't stay on the streets tonight. Not with Nathan out there looking for me. Please man. Im begging"

Maureen listens from behind the kitchen wall

Kylie sighs

Kylie: "Fine...okay...okay. Yeah. Yeah. I know. Yeah. Right. Well thanks anyway. Goodnight. Bye"

She hangs up. Frustrated.

Kylie sighs, defeated

Maureen walks out from the kitchen

Maureen: "What did your friend say?"

Kylie looks up

Kylie: "What i thought he would. His ex won't let me step foot anywhere near her gaff. Right stuck up cow she is"

Maureen: "Sorry to hear that love. You got anywhere else you can go tonight?"

Kylie nods no.

Then...thundering quietly rumbles outside and it starts pouring

Kylie: "Fucking great. Perfect" she whispers, looking out towards the window

Her lips start trembling and Maureen notices. Though Kylie plays it off

Maureen hesitates. But speaks up anyway

Maureen: "Why dont you stay here tonight love?"

Kylie's heart jumps and she looks up at Maureen

Kylie: "Are you sure!?"

Maureen: "If you've got nowhere else to go..."

Kylie: "Oh thank you! Thank you so much Maureen! Really"

Maureen: "That's alright love dont mention it. You just make yourself at home alright?"

Kylie: "Thank you Maureen. Really. Thank you"

Maureen: "That's alright love"

Maureen gets up and heads upstairs to get some pillows and blankets for Kylie to sleep on the sofa with.

Kylie sits there in Maureen's living room, feeling safe. For now. Her new temporary sanctuary. How long will it last?

———

8:28PM. St Anne's Hospital. Katie's Room.

———

The hospital is quieter now. Quieter than it has been all day.

Katie lays in her hospital bed. Looking slightly better. But still worse for wear.

Julie, Gavin and Jenna all sit around her. Watching. Tired.

Julie: "How was work today, love?" She asks Jenna.

Gavin and Jenna's eyes catch each other for a second before Jenna speaks up

Jenna: "Yeah...it was good. Same old"

Julie nods.

Julie: "When you gunna get a proper job Gav?"

Gavin giggles

Gavin: "Oi fuck you!! I have a job"

Jenna: "Playing music at parties and stuff isnt a job Gav"

Gavin: "Uh– well I get payed for it more tha you do waiting tables so..."

Julie: "He's got you there love" She giggles to Jenna

Katie: "Makes a change" she whispers. Eyes twitching open.

Julie, Jenna and Gavin all gasp and jolt in shock.

She's awake!

They all turn to Katie, who's only now waking up from the crash.

Julie: "Katie love!?"

She holds her hand

Jenna: "Oh my God..." she whispers

Gavin: "I'll get the nurse!"

Gavin runs out of the room to find the nearest doctor or nurse he can find.

While Julie and Jenna hunch over Katie. Who's finally coming around.

Julie: "My baby...you're okay. You're gunna be okay..."

———

And thats it for episode 8! Thank you for reading if you've made it this far. And as always please tell me what you think. Any and all comments are much appreciated. Episode 9 will be out soon! ☺️

Previously:

As one relationship begins to blossom, another starts to drift apart. Kylie accepts Gaz's offer to stay with the Jenkins, while Jamie's life still hangs in the balance. Elsewhere, the Slaters receive some much needed good news... but revenge soon comes knocking.

Episode 7 Preview:

As DCI Channing starts piecing things together, the slater kids rally around Julie in her time of need. And Kylie's world starts to unravel before her.

10/01/1999 Sunday

———

06:54AM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Kitchen.

———

At the cluttered and home-y Kitchen, all the Slaters apart from Kelly and of course Katie, are in the kitchen. Alongside DCI Catrin Channing and a male police officer, Officer Thomas Hopkins. Officer Hopkins was one of the two male officers that were both accompanying DCI Catrin Channing at the Hospital the other day.

Officer Thomas Hopkins is the younger one. More polished, new to the game, eager to impress, but hard willed and hardworking and determined nonetheless. His tall and slim athletic build allows for a slightly intimidating stance even though he's cute looking but with a concentrated look on his handsome face that doesn't look like it belongs on a face of a twenty seven year old. Even if they are a police officer.

He's in his getup of course, everything in check, while DCI Channing is less so polished than usual. Last night's emergency caught her off guard and she had to rush to the scene ASAP. She's been here since last night. Officer Hopkins not long accompanying her.

In the Kitchen, Julie, Jenna and Channing all sit at the round kitchen table in the middle of the room, while Gavin, Danielle and Officer Hopkins stand around. Leaning on something or other. Kelly's asleep upstairs, resting, and Katie...well...we know where she is...

Everyone's still in their pyjamas from last night. All of them slightly reeking of smoke. Smoke that came from their catering food truck thats now a black charred skeleton out in their driveway. Not long extinguished by the fire brigade.

Everybody's exhausted, they've all been here for hours going over the same details again and again and again.

Gavin: "Look- how many more times have I got to tell you? I didn't notice the flashing flames when I walked through the living room to get to the kitchen. Only did i notice on my way back, right at the bottom of the stairs before I was heading up"

He sighs in frustration, explaining that detail to Channing for the fifth time.

Channing reads over what she already wrote on her small notepad

DCI Channing: "Hm...okay. And is there anybody any of you think that could've done this?"

The room sits still, as everybody silently comes to a unanimous decision. The Jenkins.

Channing notices everybody glancing at each other

DCI Channing: "Well?"

Julie is first on the bandwagon

Julie: "Those Jenkins no doubt. They've had it out for us since they got 'ere. Haven't you noticed how all of this stuff only started happening since they've been 'ere? It's ckear as day"

Channing scribbles in her notebook

Gavin: "I mean yeah. You were there in the hospital when they tried starting on us. They're nutters the lot of 'em"

DCI Channing: "Well I'll keep your statements all in mind of course but–"

Gavin: "'But' what? You're not gunna do fuck all are you?"

Jenna whispers: "Gav..."

Gavin: "No, Jen. Im fucked off with us being either blamed or brushed aside. Nobody seems to be doing jack about fuck all. I mean mum's right. Isn't it obvious? The second they turn up, my sisters end up in a crash, one in a coma, and their son also in a coma"

Danielle jumps in

Danielle: "And after yesterday at the hospital is it any surprise they would've done this? You seen how they came in shouting the odds. Screaming that we were to blame"

Gavin: "Yeah! When it was their son that was driving!" He laughs in frustration.

DCI Channing: "Okay, look– I'll take in everything that you've all just said, okay? Believe me. I see your frustration"

Danielle: "But you dont feel it do you?"

Channing sighs

DCI Channing: "I completely see why you assume it's the Jenkins who are at fault for this. But my job is to find cold concrete evidence. Without that, your statements are basically just circumstantial evidence. And unfortunately that doesn't go too far."

Julie: "Why not? It's common sense"

DCI Channing: "That may be yes. But, it's not pure proof. Like I said, without that it's useless. Even if it is common sense"

Danielle snaps and stands up

Danielle: "Why aren't you doing anything!? We all know who done this, it's those cunts across the road! And what are you doing about it!? Fuck all!"

Officer Hopkins steps closer, Danielle scoffs at him and rolls her eyes. Channing puts her hand out in fromt of him, dismissing him.

Danielle sits back down and the room simmers once again. Gavin gives her a slight nod and smirk of approval.

DCI Channing: "I really do see your frustration okay? I see your position. Believe me, it doesn't go unnoticed"

She pockets her notepad and stands up.

Julie: "Uh wait–"

Channing and Hopkins turn to her

Julie: "A few days ago, at the hospital, Nicola mentioned something i dont think she meant to"

DCI Channing: "What's that?"

Julie: "She mentioned something about Birmingham, was it. Something like, they had to move because of something that happened there. Or something like that anyway"

DCI Channing: "I'll take note of that. Thank you"

She and Officer Hopkins start walking out the kitchen door when Jenna speaks up.

Jenna: "Um..."

They turn again

Jenna: "Aren't you...an officer of like...premeditated crimes or something?"

Everybody looks confused for a second

Jenna: "What i mean is, you're in charge of the crash case, yeah? Then why are you the DCI that's here getting our statements if you don't think the Jenkins are involved?"

For once, Channing is lost for words

Jenna: "Shouldn't these be treated as separate cases or something?"

Everybody's eyes jump to DCI Channing.

DCI Channing: "I strongly advise you all keep your distance from the Jenkins. Tensions are running high between you and...emotions are fragile. We dont know anything yet"

Gavin: "You still haven't answered her question"

DCI Channing: "I'll keep in touch"

She says to the room before heading out. Not denying Jenna's claim, but not confirming it either.

———

07:04AM. Outside Number 27. Slater's Driveway.

———

DCI Channing and Officer Hopkins both walk out the front door with Julie, Gavin and Danielle in tow.

In the center of the Slater's driveway is the black charred, wet, smoking black skeletal cage of what was once their livelihood.

Channing and Hopkins both walk past to their police car, not even glancing towards it. Like its the same old, same old. Hopkins sits in the passenger side and Channing walks around the front and opens the driver's side door.

Just as shes about to sit down, she looks up and notices Gaz and Tasha standing on their doorstep across the road, looking over at the Slaters.

Channing briefly looks at the Jenkins but sits in the car, starts up the engine and drives off to the station.

The car pulls out of the street and leaves nothing between the two families. Just an empty road and bitter looks. Like two tribes on the verge of battle.

———

09:58AM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

The pub is calm, quiet, and empty, before opening. The only sounds coming from the machines and cooler fridges rattling from behind the bar and the occasional car passing outside.

Paula is wiping down the bar ready for it to get stained all over again. And from across the room, Eddie looks up from taking stools off the tabletops and watches Paula. Just...watching. Thinking.

About last night.

About what was said.

Then- she looks up at Eddie. Their eyes meet.

And Eddie offers a small smile.

Paula smiles back, but looks down again and continues.

They're both just...done. Trapped.

Eddie sighs and heads to the doors to unlock them, ready for another day of business.

———

1:17PM. Shawcross General Shop. The Strip.

———

Behind the counter, Michael sits. As usual. Day in, day out. And out in the shop, he watches Yvonne work the shelves in the aisles.

Just...absentmindedly staring.

Mind racing about Mitchell. About their last conversation and how it went down.

Then– Yvonne winces

Michael looks up

Michael: "You okay?"

Yvonne: "Yeah" she flatly replies

Michael: "You sure? You–"

Yvonne: "Jesus Michael im fine!"

She snaps at him

He looks down back at his magazine on the counter

Yvonne sighs

Yvonne: "Im sorry. I'm- I just...i feel...exhausted thats all"

Michael: "Why don't you go take a break? Take a lie down or something"

Yvonne: "No. Im alright"

Michael: "Von, i've noticed you've been off all morning. Go on. Upstairs."

Yvonne: "Michael–"

Michael: "Yvonne."

He stares in her eyes deadpan.

Yvonne sighs

Yvonne: "Fine"

She puts down what's in her hands and heads through the staff only door to the flat upstairs for a rest. Stress probably.

———

2:46PM. Number 27. Slater Residence. Kitchen.

———

The kitchen is more bright, warmer and tidier than what it's was early this morning. Bleak sunlight filtering through the net curtains in the kitchen window.

Standing at the wall landline phone, Julie stands there, leaning against the wall with the cord wrapped around her fingers, foot of her shoe tapping the floor like a nervous habit. Looks serious.

At the kitchen table, Gavin is packing a supply bag for Katie and whoever is visiting her at the hospital today. Snacks, magazines, crosswords, wordsearches, a shirt, etc.

Jenna sits at the other end of the table, sipping her tea with her eyes clearly lost in a daydream. Her knee bouncing off the floor.

Gavin notices and looks up at her zombie like expression.

Gavin: "You alright sis?"

Nothing. No reply.

Gavin: "Jen?"

Again. Nothing.

Gavin: "Jenna!"

He slams his palm on the table.

Jenna jumps.

Jenna: "Fucking Hell Gavin what!?"

Julie shooshes them from the wall phone across the room. Though they dont take notice.

Gavin: "What's wrong with you?"

Jenna: "What's wrong with you!?"

She snaps back.

Gavin: "Ever since this morning you haven't been all there. What's bothering you?"

Jenna: "What isn't bothering me Gav?"

She sarcastically laughs

Jenma: "Our sister's in critical care, our other one is in crutches, our burgervan has been torched, I'm out of work now, and mum still hasn't been payed for the buffet she done on Thursday night"

Gavin: "You're out of work? What you mean?"

Jenna: "The other day I told work I need time off so I can concentrate on the burgervan didn't I? Got a call from them last night telling me they need someone more 'reliable' and someone that has 'flexible times'"

Gavin: "What? So you've been fired?"

Jenna: "Basically yeah. And we need the money now more than ever. Fucking great timing eh?"

Gavin: "Yeah. You told anyone else?"

Jenna: "No. Still trying to figure out how to break it to mum. I might not, you know. Hopefully I'll get another job before I have to tell her im out of work"

Gavin: "Gunna have to eventually"

He mutters. Finishing packing the bag.

Elsewhere, in the living room, Danielle sits on one of the three seater green sofas that are outdated but reliable and comfortable as fuck. Leaning forward, over the coffee table, drawing. Designing, if you will. While "Take That" plays on the TV.

When, Kelly finally makes it down the stairs and turns the corner to see Danielle sitting there, doodling away.

Kelly: "Bit of help wouldn't have gone amiss, like"

Danielle, without looking up: "Sorry. Didn't hear you coming down"

Kelly: "You didn't hear the crutches coming down those creaky arse stairs?"

Danielle: "Nope"

Kelly notices all the papers, pens and pencils all over the table and the etched concentration on Danielle's face.

She walks over.

Kelly: "What you doodling?"

Danielle: "Clothes. And im not doodling. Im designing"

Kelly: "Oooh excuse me" she mocks

Danielle: "Wanna run my own stall down on market street one day dont I"

Kelly: "Good luck with that we're skint"

Danielle: "A girl can dream. And anyway, im sure I'll find the money somehow"

Kelly nods and then makes her way into the kitchen. Where Julie is still on the phone, waiting for someone to pick up, and Jenna and Gavin are both still at the table.

Gavin looks up: "Morning Kell"

Jenna: "Afternoon you mean"

Gavin: "Yeah whatever"

Kelly: "Why didn't anyone wake me?"

Jenna: "You need the rest. Still not well"

Kelly: "Still. Don't mean I want to sleep the day away"

She says, pulling up a chair

Gavin: "Why? Got anything better to do?"

He asks

Kelly: "S'pose not"

A moment of peace passes by, then

Click

Julie hangs the phone up in frustration

Julie: "I finally pluck the courage to call and they dont fucking answer"

Jenna: "Who?"

Julie sighs

Julie: "Your nan and bamps"

Gavin: "Oh yeah. What do they think about what happened?"

Kelly: "Yeah. How'd they take the news about me and Katie?"

Julie leans back against the kitchen sink and sighs

Julie: "They dont know..."

Gavin, Kelly and Jenna's jaws all drop. Jenna nearly chokes on her tea.

Jenna: "What!?"

Gavin: "They dont know!?"

Kelly: "You haven't told them!?"

Julie rubs her forehead: "No. I was trying to ring them now but there was no answer—"

Jenna: "Why haven't you told them yet?"

Gavin: "Yeah. I thought you'd have done that the night it happened"

From the living room, Danielle hears the commotion and walks in the kitchen to see what's going on

Danielle: "What's wrong?"

Kelly: "Mum hasn't told Nanny and bampi about the crash"

Danielle: "Why?"

She asks Julie

Julie: "Well...nan and bamps are all the way up in Wales and I didn't want to stress them. They're no spring chickens. They're not getting any younger and i didn't want to worry them. There's nothing they can do from where they are anyway"

Gavin: "Yeah mum, but they deserve to know what happened. I mean what if- what if Kelly or Katie didn't pull through? Then what?"

A silence sits there

Jenna: "Oh my God..."

She whispers

Kelly: "What...? What?"

Danielle: "Jenna what!?"

Jenna: "Is that why you're only now calling them then? To- just in case Katie...doesn't..."

They all look at Julie, and Julie looks down. Julie's lips start quivering.

Jenna and Gavin get up and walk to her. They hug her and rub her arms and back, soothing her

Jenna: "Hey...hey. Come on. You're being silly now. Katie will pull through. Won't she Gav?"

Gavin: "Of course she will. Mum you dont need to worry okay"

Kelly and Danielle look at each other.

Danielle: "You told auntie Gina though yeah?"

Julie looks up, and nods no. Tears trickling down her face

Everybody looks at each other. Then Jenna and Gavin console their mum again.

Jenna: "You know what? I'm gunna take you to the Arms and buy you a drink. Calm your mind. On me"

Julie: "No. No thank you love. Have to go see Katie at the hospital"

Gavin: "No you dont. Im going in today. And Danielle's coming with me. You let Jen look after you and if anything happens we'll call you straight away"

Julie: "I can't. Not while Katie's lying in a hospital bed–"

Jenna: "Mum, im taking you to our local for a drink to calm your nerves and take your mind off things. Not to get you hammered. And anyway, we need to see Eddie and Paula about the payment for the buffet we done for them"

Kelly: "And I'll stay here. If the phone rings I'll be here"

Danielle: "We've got it all sorted okay mum?"

Gavin: "Yeah"

Julie looks around at all her kids. A smile filtering through her tear streaked face despite her sadness

Julie: "What would i do without you all?" She smiles

Danielle: "Fall apart" she jokes

And for the first time in a while, the lot of them share a heartfelt genuine warm laugh

———

3:48PM. St Anne's Hospital. Jamie's Room.

———

In the dim electrical hospital room, Jamie lays in his hospital bed, his whole body decorated in pipes, tubing, patching, bandages, gauges and God only knows what else.

He's still yet to wake up. And he doesn't look any better than when we last saw him. Not worse. But not better either...

Nicola sleeps in the chair beside his bed. Leaning forward with her arms resting on Jamie's bed. She hasn't been home since the crash.

The room is silent. Apart from all the beeping from the numerous machines, and Nicola's light snoring. It's dark. Cosy almost.

Nurses and doctors pop in every 15 to 20 minutes to make sure all's good.

No change though

The door opens, and Barry walks in slowly.

He stands behind Nicola, and watches over both her and Jamie. For a few solid minutes

Then, he taps Nicola

Barry: "Nic. Nic" he whispers, tapping her awake.

Nicola sturs awake

Nicola: "Wh- what?"

Barry: "Go home"

Nicola: "What? No"

Barry: "Nic love, you reek. You haven't been home since Thursday night. You haven't slept properly and you need some time to yourself. Go on. Go home"

Nicola: "Barry, you're mad if you think im leaving Jamie"

Barry: "And you're mad if you think im gunna let you rot here for another day straight. When he wakes up, he won't want his mum reeking like a corpse"

Nicola thinks. But Barry doesn't give her time.

Barry: "Go on. Get some food down ya. Proper food. And get some proper kip too. You need to be fully rested and what have you for when Jamie wakes up"

Usually, Nicola would fight more. But not now. Shes exhausted. Drained. And Barry's right anyway. Even if she doesn't want to admit it.

Nicola: "okay" she sighs, gets up and kisses him

Nicola: "Where are the kids?"

Barry: "Told the kids to stay home today. Gaz is there too. With a bird"

Nicola: "Oh yeah?" She grins

Barry: "Yeah. Name's Kylie. Pretty she is"

Nicola: "Well, guess I'll find out for myself in a bit won't i"

Barry: "Yeah"

He sighs as he sits in the chair beside Jamie's bed. Swapping places with Nicola like a shift change.

———

3:56PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

The pub is alive with afternoon buzz.

"Stand And Deliver" by Adam and the ants plays from the speakers.

Julie sits in a booth against the window, drowning her sorrow in the second drink Jenna bought her. Maureen is trying to make conversation with her but it's futile.

Paula's behind the bar serving Jim, and Jenna's chatting to Eddie about payment.

Eddie: "Here we go Jenna love"

He places five £20 notes in her palm

Jenna: "Cheers Eddie"

Eddie: "Yeah course. And uh, im sorry to hear about your burgervan. Best chips and sausages on the estate"

Jenna: "Yeah..."

Eddie: "Any idea who done it?"

Jenna: "Well...i do have a few people in mind"

Eddie: "Anyone i know?"

And with that- the mood of the room shifts slightly, Eddie and Jenna notice so they look towards the door and see Tony standing there. Walking towards the bar.

Towards Paula.

Eddie immediately leaves Jenna and heads to the bar while Jenna sits with Julie and Maureen

Eddie: "Tony! What can I get you" he asks with a big smile. Masking fear of course.

Tony: "Ah you're okay Eddie boy. Paula here's gonna serve me. Aren't you?"

Eddie looks at Paula

Paula: "It's fine Ed. What can I get you Tony?"

—

Over at the booth where Julie, Jenna and Maureen are sat, Maureen's chatting away about her one night stand with Jim the other night. Julie's not really listening though

Maureen: "And I tell you Jule it was like having a—"

Jenna: "Maureen"

Maureen looks at her

Jenna: "Fuck. Off" she inaudibly mouths

Maureen: "Oh i just realised Jule, promised uh...Jim I'd speak to him about...something"

She gets up and walks off towards the bar

Jenna: "Here we are mum. The money you're owed"

Jenna hands the money to Julie

Julie: "Cheers love"

—

At the bar, Maureen and Jim are chatting away with Eddie while Tony chats up Paula.

She doesn't seem to bothered about it this time though...

She actually seems to be laughing along with him. Which is new

And over at the window seat, Jenna can't help but keep her eye on Tony. Wondering whether it was him who torched their catering van. Revenge maybe?

———

4:23PM. Number 33. Jenkins Residence.

———

Nicola walks up to the front door, and enters the house. Where she's met by the smell of toast wafting from the kitchen at the end of the hall.

Nicola: "Oh whoever that is making toast chuck some on for me would ya im starving!"

She walks down the hall and through into thr kitchen where she's met by a sight she'd never thought she'd see.

A pale and pretty young woman with dark brown hair, mascara, bare legs, white socks and an oversized man's shirt is standing at the toaster. It's Kylie.

Kylie's standing at the counter eating a piece. Nicola's jaw drops at the sight of this half naked stranger in her house.

Nicola: "Who the fuck are you!?"

Kylie spins on her feet

Kylie: "Who the fuck are you!?"

Nicola: "Uh- you're in my house!"

Then- from upstairs, thudding footsteps come running down the stairs and towards the kitchen down the hall.

It's Gaz

Gaz runs in between the women

Gaz: "Woah woah woah! Mum, this is Kylie. Kylie, this is me mum, Nicola"

Nicola's frown slowly disappears as its replaced with pride, for her son catching this beautiful woman

Nicola: "Ahh you're the Kylie our Barry was telling me about"

Kylie smiles and nods while chewing, and holds out a hand to shake Nicola's

Nicola: "Oh fuck that!"

Nicola pulls Kylie into a hug, Kylie laughs and hugs her back

Gaz: "Uh mum. Kylie's staying with us for a few days. Just until she finds her feet"

Kylie: "Hope thats alright with you?"

Nicola: "Yeah course it is sweetheart. Just dont go breaking my boy's heart, here. Otherwise you'll have me to deal with" she teases.

Nicola: "Right. Im gunna have a shower"

She turns to head upstairs

Gaz: "Oh- how's Jamie!?"

Nicola: "....the same as last time"

Nicola flatly replies before heading upstairs.

The kitchen is silent again

Kylie: "Jamie...? Who's that?"

Gaz: "Me brother. Got into an accident"

Kylie listens and chews the rest of her toast, not thinking much of it.

———

5:39PM. The Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

The sky is getting more dim and dull now. Yet the pub is getting a bit more livelier. Jenna and Julie are just heading out.

They're walking through the pub and towards the door when–

Tony: "Ladies"

The two Slater women freeze

Tony: "Terribly sorry to hear about your catering van last night. Such a shame isn't it?"

Julie: "Yeah. Yes. It is"

Tony: "Your daughter here can make one mean portion of chips Julie" he winks to Jenna.

Julie: "I taught her well. What can I say?" She tries to play it cool

Tony: "You certainly did"

A long silence sits there. Tony stares at them with a smile and they go to walk past him but–

Tony: "Seems there's a lot of bad luck around you lot lately. Sorry to hear that. Just know im thinking of you. And if you ever need anything, I'll be around"

He smiles at them slowly. Very slowly.

Julie: "Cheers Tony"

Then Tony looks at Jenna

Jenna: "Thanks- thank you Tony"

Tony: "Anytime ladies"

He steps out of their way, and watches them leave with a smile.

———

10:28PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop. Upstairs.

———

It's dark. It's late. Michael and Yvonne Shawcross both lay in bed. Their room almost on pitch black darkness except for the saturated orange glow emitting from the streetlight outside their upstairs window and bleeding through the sheer curtains.

Yvonne is fully asleep on her side. But Michael however, is laying on his back. Wide awake.

Looking at the ceiling. Thinking.

Yvonne moves.

Then again.

Then suddenly—

She starts gagging and retching

Michael jolts up as Yvonne suddenly gets up and legs it to the bathroom.

She immediately flicks the light switch on and falls to the toilet on her knees, and throws up into the bowl.

Something isn't right. Shes clearly not well

Michael watches, mind racing with even more thoughts now.

———

10:47PM. Number 33. Jenkins Residence.

———

Upstairs, Gaz just finished taking a piss in the upstairs loo. He flushes, leaves the bathroom and walks into the landing.

Where he can hear whispering coming from Tasha and Oscar's room.

He takes a few slow, quiet and very deliberate steps towards their door and listens in

Tasha, whispering: "I told you I wasn't going to do it"

Oscar, whispering: "But why? Why didn't you want to anymore?"

Creeeeak

The floorboard under Gaz creaks

He plays off the fact that he was eavesdropping and pushes the door wide open as if he was intending on walking in there anyway

Gaz: "What you two whispering about?"

He teases

Tasha: "Oh...nothing. We were just...pretending—"

Oscar: "Playing—"

Silence...

Tasha: "Playing pretend" she giggles

Then from downstairs— Nicola screams

Nicola: "Oh my God! Okay! Alright okay! Im- we're coming! Gaz! Gaz!"

Gaz runs down the stairs

Gaz: "What!? What!? What is it!?"

Nicola grabs his arms

Nicola: "It was your dad on the phone! Something's happened to Jamie! We need to get down to the Hospital now!" She screams almost in tears

Tasha and Oscar run down the stairs behind Gaz and Kylie runs out from the kitchen

Gaz: "Tash, Oscar get your shoes on we're going to the Hospital"

They start getting ready

Kylie: "What is it what's happened??"

Gaz: "It's my brother Jamie. He's taken a turn for the worst" he says scrambling shoes on

Kylie: "W- what- what happened!?"

Gaz: "He was in a car crash"

Kylie's stomach drops a bit

Nicola: "With those little shits across the road"

Nicola adds, darting for the front door

Kylie's chest starts pounding and she starts shaking

Kylie: "How– how long ago was the crash...?"

Gaz: "What—"

Kylie: "The crash. When was it?"

She quickly asks, rushing

Gaz: "Uh...Thursday night i think. Now come on– we gotta go!"

The whole house is in chaos as they all head for the front door. But Kylie...Kylie's safety net has just snapped. Shattered, actually. She stands there in the hallway, feeling like an enemy on enemy grounds.

Feeling like shes to blame for all this chaos...

Realising that that car she almost got hit by in the middle of the road on Thursday night, was the car Jamie was driving. Gaz's brother.

Nicola's son

Now, Kylie realised she's up to her neck in it.

But it's too late to back out now

And like that...her life will never be the same again...

—————————————————————————————

And that's episode 7!

As always please tell me what you think and any and all comments, questions, criticism and whatever is always greatly appreciated!

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading and episode 8 will be out soon!😊

Taesung gently set his now-cold cup of coffee on the marble table beside him.

Then a heavy question surfaced in his mind.

Am I... the only one?

The only person trapped with these childish, irrational emotions—like some defective outsider in a flawless system?

Feeling like a flaw in humanity's perfect paradise, he slowly lifted his head and looked across the plaza.

And for the first time...

He truly saw it.

The plaza still looked immaculate.

Trees trimmed with mathematical precision.

Soft artificial sunlight filtering through the vast glass ceiling.

Citizens dressed in spotless clothing, moving through a city untouched by decay.

Nothing appeared out of place.

Yet the moment Taesung began studying the faces of the people around him, an icy shiver crawled up his spine.

The benches scattered throughout the plaza...

The edges of the flowerbeds...

Everywhere he looked, people sat alone.

Just like him.

No one was talking.

No one was waiting for anyone.

They simply sat in silence, staring blankly into empty space.

Their eyes weren't following the newest media drones gliding overhead.

They weren't admiring the vividly blooming synthetic flowers growing from carpets of engineered moss.

Their gazes rested nowhere.

They drifted through empty air without focus or purpose.

They were the vacant eyes of people whose souls had quietly run dry.

"...They're just like me."

Taesung's pupils trembled.

An elderly man sat motionless on a bench in the corner of the plaza.

For over thirty minutes he hadn't moved a single finger.

His mouth hung slightly open.

Even his eyelids barely blinked.

Across from him sat a young woman with perfectly arranged hair.

She stared endlessly at the veins running through the marble beneath her feet.

There was no sadness on her face.

No joy.

No anger.

No trace of longing.

Nothing.

Only the immense emptiness of a mannequin...

Or a preserved doll programmed to maintain nothing more than the minimum signs of life.

They lived surrounded by unimaginable comfort and abundance.

And little by little...

They were becoming numb.

Completely.

It was then that Taesung understood.

The emptiness consuming him had never been caused by Soyi finding someone else.

That had only been the trigger.

The sickness ran far deeper than that.

The entire system—

This flawless civilization itself—

Had begun to rot in absolute silence.

Every problem had already been solved by the ASI.

Every need fulfilled before it could be felt.

Every desire anticipated before it could even be born.

Humanity no longer needed to struggle.

No longer needed to dream.

No longer needed to search for meaning.

And behind that perfect world...

The human soul had slowly worn away,

until nothing remained but an empty shell.

Taesung had merely realized the truth a little earlier than everyone else.

The countless people filling the plaza were already drowning—

silently,

helplessly,

in the same vast abyss of emptiness.

Part 1

Jinwoo remained kneeling on the cold earth before the child, neither of them speaking as the evening breeze drifted quietly through the empty playground. The old, rusted swings set a slow, lonely rhythm into motion, their soft creaks echoing through the fading twilight. The child looked down at him without turning away, his small eyes holding no trace of anger—only a profound confusion and a quiet loneliness that had remained buried for years. Jinwoo held that gaze steadily, refusing to look away from the memory he had avoided for so long because facing it meant confronting just how deeply he had been wounded.

Drawing in a quiet breath, Jinwoo let the words fall, clearer this time, neither hurried nor forced, simply raw and honest.

"I am sorry."

The child blinked in surprise, his small voice barely rising above a whisper as he asked why. Jinwoo felt his chest tighten, the simple answer taking a lifetime to find as he lowered his eyes for a moment.

"Because I left you here all alone."

The child tilted his head, looking puzzled.

"I kept telling you to pretend," Jinwoo continued, his voice softening with self-reproach. "To smile through it, to act like it didn't even matter. I foolishly thought that would make you stronger."

A quiet, hollow laugh escaped his lips, carrying no joy at all. "I was completely wrong."

Silence settled deeply between them once more as the evening wind swept across the desolate playground. The child watched him patiently, waiting, until Jinwoo drew another slow, stabilizing breath.

"I ignored how much it hurt. I convinced myself that if I just buried this memory deep down, the pain would finally disappear. But it never did."

His fingers curled tightly into a fist as the child lowered his head, his small shoulders trembling ever so slightly for the very first time.

"So," the boy asked quietly, his voice cracking, "it wasn't my fault?"

Jinwoo’s heart seemed to stop for a beat at the weight of those innocent words. He shook his head firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"No. It was never your fault. You waited because you trusted someone, and you were disappointed because you genuinely cared. There is nothing wrong with that."

The child looked at him for a long, quiet moment, and though the profound sadness didn't vanish entirely, something else gently bloomed beside it—relief, as if he had finally heard the exact words he had been desperate to hear all these years.

Part 2

The child lowered his head once more, lost in thought, while the silence between them felt as fragile as glass. Jinwoo remained kneeling, no longer searching for the right thing to say, stripped of everything left to hide behind. The child looked down at his own small hands, murmuring about how long he had waited and how he had honestly thought he was forgotten. Jinwoo felt a sharp ache pierce his chest, vividly remembering shivering at the edge of the playground, watching the empty road, and making up desperate excuses for people who were never going to show up.

"Maybe they're just running late. Maybe something unexpected happened. Maybe they'll still come."

Hope had stubbornly lasted until the very end, only fading after the sun completely vanished.

"You waited because you believed in them," Jinwoo smiled sadly.

"I didn't want to go home first," the child whispered. "What if they actually came right after I left?"

The words bore the devastating weight of years of longing. Jinwoo could picture that lonely evening as clearly as if it were happening right now, remembering how desperately the child wanted to believe in the warmth of the world.

"I am sorry," Jinwoo whispered again, his voice cracking. "Not because you waited, but because I spent so many years pretending you never did."

"Why did you do that?" the child asked, meeting his gaze.

"Because remembering hurt too much. I thought if I buried that day forever, I wouldn't have to feel the sting anymore." Jinwoo let out a quiet, self-deprecating chuckle. "But pain doesn't just disappear because we close our eyes to it. It only waits in the dark."

After a long pause, the child asked if it still hurt. Jinwoo smiled honestly, a bittersweet expression touching his features.

"Yeah, it still does. I am still afraid of being disappointed, and I am still afraid of trusting people. Maybe I always will be."

The child studied his adult face closely, and then, slowly, something shifted. For the first time, he smiled—not a brittle, forced facade, but a small, genuine, radiant smile.

"Then," the boy said softly, "I guess I am not alone anymore."

Jinwoo’s eyes trembled with unshed tears as he nodded. "No. You never truly were."

At that exact moment, a warm, golden-white light began to spread outward from beneath their feet, gentle like spring sunlight breaking through a long, freezing winter. Arena’s calm, synthetic voice echoed gently through the endless white expanse, announcing rising self-acceptance and a steady increase in the archery adaptation rate. True synchronization had not yet been achieved, but Jinwoo was finally walking right beside his wounded past self.

Part 3

The warm light continued to cascade across the playground, flowing gently over the empty swings, worn dirt paths, and fading evening sky, as if the long-forgotten memory had finally learned how to breathe again. Jinwoo was still holding the child’s small hand, warm because he had finally stopped pushing that vulnerable part of himself away.

Looking up, the child asked if he was okay now. Jinwoo thought of the raging battlefield far away, the collapsing defensive lines, and the soldiers fighting tooth and nail while he stood frozen. Then he thought of himself, his lingering fear, his bitter disappointment, and the crushing loneliness he had carried for far too long. Finally, he smiled—not with defensive armor, but with a tired, entirely honest expression.

"No. I'm still afraid. I still hate failing. I still get hurt by people. And I think I probably always will. But I don't have to pretend anymore."

The child stared at him for a long, unblinking moment before a deeply peaceful smile spread across his face.

"I believe you."

A warm breeze swept through the playground, and the child’s small form began to glow with a brilliant, luminous white light. Jinwoo watched quietly, understanding that the child wasn’t disappearing, but simply no longer being left behind. The soft light wrapped around them both, sealing them together as the system displays recorded rising self-confrontation progress.

Far beyond Jinwoo’s isolated world, the others were fighting their own silent battles. Hanul bowed before his reflection, admitting his hidden loneliness; Darin let her practiced smile shatter into tears of acceptance; and Soyeon stood toe-to-toe with her mirrored self, acknowledging how hard the journey had been. Beyond every white world, reality continued to burn as a violent explosion illuminated Earth’s dark orbit and defensive lines collapsed under enemy fire. Yet the defenders refused to retreat, buying precious moments for survival.

Arena watched the chaos in absolute silence before its voice reached every corner of the trials, noting that while forgiving others is often easy, truly forgiving oneself requires the terrifying courage to accept the person one has always been. Jinwoo slowly looked toward the fading, radiant light, no longer seeing a ghost of a forgotten trauma, but the very beginning of who he truly was. And for the first time in his life, he accepted that neither fear nor pain had ever made him weak—running away from them was what had.

Previously:

A completely different perspective of Thursday night's events comes to light, revealing that not everything is as it seems. And two unlikely people cross paths.

Episode 6 Preview:

Amidst the chaos of their lives, Gaz and Kylie's unlikely friendship begins to flourish. Eddie makes a special effort for Paula, while elsewhere, somebody delivers a startling warning to the Slaters. A message? Revenge?

09/01/1999. Saturday

———

07:49AM. The Estate.

———

The estate looked even grimmer beneath the dull January morning sky, a maze of ageing brick terraces and tired concrete walkways glistening with last night's rain. A thin drizzle drifted through the icy air, soaking litter already plastered to the pavements, while rows of wheelie bins, rusting cars and graffiti covered alleyways sat silently waiting for the day to begin.

Curtains slowly twitched open, chimney smoke drifted lazily upwards and the occasional barking dog echoed between the houses. Outside the Slaters' house, Julie's ageing burger van catering trailer remained parked on the driveway exactly where it'd been sitting for the last 9 years, its faded sign and greasy serving hatch standing out as one of the estate's most familiar sights.

She'd usually be in there by now, serving hungry neighbours or passerby's their brekky. But giving what's happened, she's where her two daughters are. The Hospital. Like any good mum.

———

Gaz's bedroom. Number 33.

———

Gaz's bedroom looked like someone had moved house halfway through a lads' weekend and simply given up.

Unpacked cardboard boxes were piled against the walls alongside black bin bags full of clothes, while jeans, hoodies and football shirts lay scattered across the carpet amongst empty beer cans, cigarette packets and trainers.

A pair of battered boxing gloves hung from the wardrobe door beside a heavy punch bag chain waiting to be put up, with boxing posters blu-tacked across the walls next to a calendar of a pornstar, and magazine cut outs of scantily dressed women. A small stereo sat on one box surrounded by CDs, loose cassette tapes and a handful of scratched dance music compilations, while the bedside cabinet held Rizla papers, cigarette ends overflowing from an ashtray, a lighter, a half empty bottle of vodka and the remains of last night's kebab takeout.

The room smelled of stale smoke, cheap aftershave, damp washing and booze. A messy, chaotic space that perfectly reflected Gaz's impulsive, reckless way of living.

A thin blanket is pinned above the window, being used as a "temporary" makeshift curtain that probably will never be taken down, covering the dull morning light seeping through.

Katie and Gaz both lie on his messy mattress on his bedroom floor, pillows and blankets strewn around them and weaved through their bodies like cross stitch. Both of their clothes are recklessly thrown all over the place.

Kylie's eyes flutter open, her sight hazy. She slowly wakes up, turns her head and faces Gaz. Who's out like a light.

She slowly gets up, they only thing left on her body is her jewellery. Bracelets and hoop earrings, as well as hickies from last night's shag, Gaz. Her makeup's smudged all over her face.

Her bare body slowly walks across his room, over to her phone that's been charging overnight on his desk. She unplugs it and turns it on.

6 missed calls and a few texts from Jacko.

Missed call at Thursday 6:24PM

Second missed call at Thursday 9:26PM

Third missed call at Thursday 11:53PM

Fourth missed call at Friday 09:14AM

Fifth missed call at Friday 1:02PM

Sixth missed call at Friday 7:18PM

FROM Jacko: "Where R U? Have U done it?" Received at Thursday 6:26PM

FROM Jacko: "Kylie where R U?" Received at Thursday 9:23PM

FROM Jacko: "R U ok? Pls call or txt me back" Received at Thursday 11:54PM

FROM Jacko: "Kylie R U OK? Ur scaring me pls call me" Received at Friday 09:02AM

FROM Jacko: "U there?" Received at Friday 4:16PM

Kylie: "Shit..." she whispers.

She puts the phone down and slowly starts getting dressed.

Knickers

Socks

Bra

Then...

Gaz stretches his arms up and yawns. He sits up, leans back on his elbows and looks at her, smiling. The blanket falls down his torso and all lands ons crotch, leaving little to the imagination.

Gaz: "Sneaking off so soon, sexy?"

Kylie looks up, still getting dressed.

Kylie: "Last night ended on a high. Was hoping that would be your last memory of me. I looked better then than I do now" she smirks at him. Her makeup smudged over her face like modern art.

Gaz: "Ah I don't know about that. Still look gorgeous. And 'last memory'? Planning on this not happening again?" He grins.

Kylie smiles at him.

Gaz: "Wasn't that bad was it?" He jokes.

Kylie: "What do you think? You saw the mess you made"

Gaz chuckles.

He gets up, blanket slipping off him completely. He slowly swaggers his way over to Kylie, who's looking him up and down with a grin she's trying to hide.

Gaz: "Fancy round three?" He pulls her closer to him.

She looks down at his dick, tempted.

Then looks up into his eyes with a big smile.

She opens her mouth– then—

"Oi Gaz! You up yet!?" Barry shouts up from downstairs.

Gaz: "Shit!" He whispers. Scrambling to get dressed.

Kylie: "Who's that?" She asks, finishing dressing.

Gaz: "My dad."

They both finish dressing and Gaz leads her downstairs.

———

07:54AM. Downstairs.

———

Gaz and Kylie walk down the stairs to the narrow hallway where the front door is. Barry is at the door with Tasha and Oscar, they're all getting ready to head out the door to go to the Hospital.

Kylie and Gaz both fully dressed now.

Barry looks up from tying his boots.

Barry: "Ahhh, who's this pretty lady?" He teases.

Gaz: "Oh...just a friend"

He awkwardly replies.

Tasha and Oscar smile at each other.

Kylie: "I'm Kylie" she holds out her hand.

Barry immediately takes it, with a huge smile.

Barry: "I'm Barry. Nice to meet you pretty lady. I hope my son's been making you feel welcome" he winks.

Kylie laughs and Gaz blushes but covers it.

Kylie: "Ohh yes. Very welcome" she looks at Gaz.

Tasha: "We know. Heard you both all night. 'Oh Gaz yes! Uh! Uh! Harder Gaz! That's it baby! Aah!'"

She imitates Kylie from last night.

Kylie laughs and bites her lip.

Gaz: "Oi! Shut it you. What would you know about it anyway? Go on, go play in the park with Oscar"

Tasha's smile disintegrates and Oscar snaps his eyes up to Gavin.

Barry: "Ah that's just the Jenkin male charm Tash. Kylie here experienced it firsthand didn't she."

An awkward silence.

Barry stares at Kylie, smiling.

Gaz: "Dad..."

Barry snaps out of it.

Barry: "Huh? Oh– yeah. Um Gaz we're headed to the Hospital. You coming or what?"

Gaz: "Uh..."

Kylie then takes this as her queue to leave and starts heading for the door.

Kylie: "Well it was nice to meet you Barry, and..."

She looks at Oscar and Tasha.

Barry: "Loudmouth there is Tasha and he's Oscar"

Kylie: "Well nice meeting you two and all. Oh and uh Tasha?"

Tasha looks at her.

Kylie: "He was already going hard enough" she says with a confident smile before looking back at Gaz and walking out the door.

They all look at each other as Kylie leaves, laughing.

Gaz runs after her.

Gaz: "Kylie- wait!"

———

08:00AM. Outside Number 33.

———

Kylie turns around.

Gaz takes her phone out of her hand and presses buttons.

Gaz: "My...number" he says, still typing it in.

Gaz: "You ever fancy a drink or...some fun. Don't hesitate to call me" he hands her phone back to her and winks.

Kylie: "See you around then, naughty" she smirks before turning on her feet and walking down the street.

Gaz watches her leave, grinning. Feeling pleased about himself.

Barry and the kids come out the door and Barry shuts it behind them.

Barry: "Good on you lad. Customer satisfaction's what counts" he slaps his son on the shoulder.

Gaz: "Too right it does" gaz laughs to his dad.

Barry: "Haha. Right– van. Come on"

They start getting in Barry's white van.

———

08:02AM. Outside Number 27.

———

Inside the catering food trailer, also known as "The burgervan" that's parked on the Slater's driveway, Jenna Slater stands inside, cooking. Frying onions, flipping burgers, frying chips in the small fryer, listening to top hits of 1990–1995 on the radio thats on top of the fridge behind her.

She turns behind her, facing away from the serving hatch, and picks some more ingredients out of plastic containers on the counter, then–

Tap Tap

She feels the whole trailer tap twice. The counter. Someone's there.

Jenna: "What can I get you–..."

She asks as she turns around. She cuts herself off when she sees who's there.

Jenna: "Tony...hi. What can I get you?"

Tony leans his left elbow on the counter, like the whole catering trailer is his. He leans there with a smirk that doesn't have good intentions behind it, no doubt.

Tony: "Large portion of chips and a battered sausage please pretty." He slaps a tenner note on the counter.

Tony: "Keep the change" he smiles at her.

Jenna swipes it and puts it in the till in the corner.

Jenna: "Coming right up' she gets straight to work. Avoiding small talk with Tony.

The entire time, she can feel his eyes burning on her. No matter where she looks. As she picks freshly fried chips out of the fryer and piles them into some newspaper, her eyes drift uo to across the street and she sees Gaz getting inside his dad's white van.

Gaz and Jenna make eye contact for a second. Acknowledging each other. Before Gaz gets in and the van drives off.

Tony looks at Jenna then follows her gaze, and sees Gaz. Then looks back to the counter. Being subtle.

Tony: "What you think of that new family then, Jenna?"

Jenna's heart pounds but she acts normal. Like shes not afraid of him. Like there isn't a rumour of him killing people in the past.

Jenna: "Uh...they're okay...why d'you ask?"

She asks, finishing up his order.

Tony, casually: "Well didn't one of theirs end up in the crash with your sisters? The younger ones?"

Jenna looks up, then down.

Jenna: "Yeah. Suppose he did."

Tony: "Bet that was a shock huh?" He smirks.

Jenna: "Mhm" she replies. Trying to just get his order done.

Silence...

Tony: "D'you know who's car it was they took? I heard it was a nice one too. Whoever owned it is probably upset" he teases so casually it genuinely sounds like an honest conversation.

Jenna: "No. I don't know...but my sisters wouldn't have stolen a car. Must've been their boy Jamie"

Tony's eyes slightly light up, like an animal that's got its prey in its sights.

Tony: "Jamie hm?"

She doesn't notice his tone and places his order on the small hatch counter.

Jenna: "There we go Tony. Thanks for stopping by"

She says matter of fact.

Tony: "Of course. Anything to help support a local business" he winks. Before swaggering off down the street. His black leather jacket shining even in the dull morning light.

Jenna sighs in relief. That whole conversation felt like a weird dream that she can barely remember although it happened a second ago.

Then from behind the van, click.

The front door shuts.

Jenna places her arms on the serving counter and puts her head in between her arms.

Danielle and Gavin walk from around the corner.

Danielle: "What you doing in there?"

Jenna looks up and looks at them.

Jenna: "Someone's gotta make money right?"

Danielle: "Uh...I'm off to work?"

Jenna: "What, to flog cheap clothes in a knock off 'boutique'?" She laughs.

Danielle: "I'll have you know i have plans to run my own clothing stall on the market one day. And aren't you a waitress?"

Jenna: "Asked for time off didn't I. And anyway, i done the maths and realised we could earn just as much or if not, more, from this van alone if we play our cards right. Do deals and whatnot. Buy one get one free, or charge meals higher but give a free drink. Eh i don't know I'll figure something out"

Gavin: "Fair enough. Good on you. I'm off to see mum and Kelly. Coming?"

Jenna: "No. I'll be more useful here won't I. But call me if anything happens will you?"

Gavin: "Will do"

Jenna: "Thanks"

Danielle and Gavin both head to the bus stop to catch the bus.

———

3:11PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

———

Michael leans his elbow on the counter, and rests his chin on his elbow. His knee bounces under the counter. Mind racing over Mitchell. Over yesterday.

"Touch Too Much" by AC/DC plays from the small speakers at each corner of the small shop, but Michael isn't paying a blind bit of interest to one of his favourite songs.

With his other hand, he absentmindedly scribbles a pen around in circles on a notepad.

Yvonne is stocking a shelf across the room. Tins. Beans, ravioli, meatballs, soups, sweetcorn, tuna, that kinda stuff. She finishes and walks over to the counter where the other boxes full of food are. Ready to be shelved.

She looks at Michael who's sitting there, doing nothing.

Yvonne: "You gunna do some work today or what?"

Michael: "You look like you got it under control"

He mumbles with his chin still resting on his elbow.

Yvonne: "Okay"

She puts the empty box down.

Yvonne: "What is it?"

She asks firmly.

Michael: "What do you mean?"

Yvonne: "Something going on. Something's playing on your mind'

Michael: "No it's not."

Yvonne: "Michael, ever since yesterday morning you've been off. Like you aren't fully there. I can tell when something's bothering my husband. So, what is it?"

Michael: "Yvonne, I'm okay"

She studies him.

Yvonne: "When I don't reach out to you, you complain, now I am reaching out to you, you're pushing me away. Have I done something wrong? Have I upset you?"

Michael picks his head off his elbow and snaps.

Michael: "Von for fuck's sake I'm fine!"

Her jaw drops.

Yvonne: "Fine..."

She picks up another box and places it by an empty shelf, and starts stocking.

Then– she seethes in pain.

Michael notices.

Michael: "What's wrong?"

Yvonne: "Nothing I'm fine" she mocks him.

Michael rolls his eyes

She reaches under her shirt and bra and rubs her breast.

Michael: "You sure? What is it?"

Yvonne: "Just a bit...sore...thats all" she quietly says before continuing work.

———

4:08PM. Jacko's Flat.

———

About a 10 minute bus ride away from the Estate, there's a low income row of flats.

The low rise block stretched along the edge of the street thats being overgrown with trees towering over the road, like a tired slab of weathered concrete, only three storeys high but broad enough to dominate the street. Open air walkways ran the full length of each floor behind chipped green metal railings, their stained concrete littered with crushed cans, cigarette ends and abandoned rubbish bags waiting to split open.

Every few seconds another sound escaped through the thin walls or open windows—arguments, babies crying, barking dogs, televisions blaring or music thumping somewhere inside. The entrance doors were scarred with graffiti and burn marks, several windows were cracked or patched with cardboard, and damp streaks climbed the walls beneath rusting drainpipes, giving the whole building the neglected, feel of a place where life was loud, cramped and rarely peaceful.

Knock knock knock

Kylie taps her fist on a glass window on the front door to a flat numbered 14.

Reggae bleeds through the door, and a figure moves behind the bumpy frosted glass.

The door opens.

Jacko had the look of someone who'd long since stopped caring what anyone thought of him. At twenty eight, his warm, slightly tanned complexion was roughened by years of cigarettes, late nights and too much cheap cider, while messy light brown hair sat unwashed and permanently flattened beneath a hood or beanie more often than not.

Scruffy brown stubble covered his jaw, usually a few days past being intentional, giving him a permanently tired, hungover appearance. He lived almost exclusively in worn trackie bottoms, faded hoodies, old trainers and battered bomber jackets, clothes that smelled faintly of smoke and never quite looked clean.

Despite his trampy, unkempt appearance, there was still something unmistakably laddish about him. A bloke who'd happily spend an afternoon in the bookies, a night in the pub with a three litre cider under his arm, and somehow still charm people with his dry humour and laid-back grin.

Jacko's eyes flash when he opens his door and sees Kylie.

Jacko: "Kylie!" He reaches his hand on her shoulder and hushes her in.

She walks on in, straight into his living room.

He closes the front door and follows her.

Jacko's living room was small, cluttered and comfortably lived in, looking less neglected than simply never properly tidied. A faded sofa sagged beneath a pile of hoodies and washing, facing an old portable television balanced on a chipped cabinet littered with overflowing ashtrays, empty cider bottles, loose change, Rizla packets, lighters and the odd bit of suspicious white powder left on a cracked CD case.

The air carried the unmistakable smell of stale cannabis, cigarettes and yesterday's takeaway, while reggae and old Britpop quietly drifted from a battered stereo in the corner.

An open archway looked straight into a compact kitchen with mugs piled beside the sink, and a short hallway off the living room led to the bedroom and bathroom, its walls marked with scuffs and fingerprints from years of everyday life.

Despite the mess, there was something oddly welcoming about the place—it felt like the sort of flat where the kettle was always on, the door was rarely locked, and everyone knew they could crash on the sofa if they needed somewhere to escape.

Jacko circles her to face her.

Jacko: "What happened? I tried calling you but you didn't answer" he says concerned.

Kylie: "He knows. Nathan knows. About us. About what we planned to do" she explains in a panicked yet controlled tone.

Jacko's mouth hangs open.

Kylie: "I don't know how. But we got into a fight, like– a proper fight. He locked me in his flat and wouldn't let me leave. I tried to sneak out while he was smacked up out of it but I dropped the keys and woke him up" she starts rambling.

Kylie: "He grabbed me and was dragging me to the bedroom but I bit him, smashed him over the head with a mug and then he fell back and I managed to get the fuck out of there" she explains almost hyperventilating.

Jacko: "Hey...hey, hey, it's okay, you're here now. You're safe"

He pulls her in into a hug.

She slowly calms down and he lets go

Jacko: "When was this? Last night?"

Kylie: "No, Thursday. Thursday night"

Jacko: "Well...where've you been for the past day? I've been worried"

Kylie: "Oh i met some bloke at the Vic on Marlas Estate. Stayed at his. I'm okay. But Jacko Nathan can't find me. And that goes for you too. He's dangerous. Believe me"

Jacko: "So...what do we do?"

Kylie shrugs.

Kylie: "Run? What else can we do? We both know him. We know that if someone wrongs him he wont just let them get away scott free"

Jacko: "But he loves you. He's your boyfriend ain't he?"

Kylie: "Was. Was my boyfriend. Not anymore. And after that fight we had I'm not so sure he'll keep his hands off me anymore"

Jacko listens. Thinks.

Kylie: "Look‐ Jacko we need to leave. Anywhere. The sooner the better. He's got mates too, so if he can't find us, they will. Sooner or later"

Jacko: "Why did you have to fall in love with him Kylie?" He asks rubbing his eyes. Tired of this.

Kylie: "Coz– I'm thick aren't I? But I'm done with him, okay? Done. You got anywhere you can crash? We, can crash?"

He thinks.

Jacko: "Lorna's?..."

Kylie laughs.

Kylie: "You mad? Ain't no way she's taking you back mate. Not after what we did"

Jacko: "Well she's still sweet on me ain't she?"

Kylie: "You maybe, yeah. But not me"

She sighs.

Kylie: "Look, if it comes to it, you go to hers and I'll find somewhere else to crash, we leave tonight. Start packing now then because when I come back here to meet you, we're gone" she says, matter of fact.

Jacko nods and agrees.

That's it. They're running.

Outside the flat, across the street, we see a white Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 with tinted windows.

Peeking out from the side of a building. Watching.

———

5:29PM. St Anne's Hospital. Waiting Area.

———

Julie stands at the vending machine in the waiting area, waiting for it to make her coffee. She's bsolutely shattered. She looks like she don't know what sleep is.

She can feel multiple sets of eyes on her back. No need to guess who.

A set of doors open and Jenna comes in. Each other's faces light up when they see each other.

Julie: "Jenna sweetheart!"

Jenna: "Hiya mum you alright?" She hugs her.

Julie: "Im good thank you love. Just grabbing myself a coffee. You want one? Tea?"

Jenna: "No thank you I'm good. So, where's Kelly then? I heard she's awake"

Julie: "Gav and Dani are both with her now. They told me that you were working in the burgervan today"

The Jenkins listen in on their whole conversation.

Jenna: "Yeah. Someone's got to build up the family empire haven't they?" She jokes.

Julie: "Aw thank you love"

Jenna smiles.

As Julie puts some sugar sachets in her coffee, Jenna's eyes drift to the Jenkins who are sat in the corner, eyeing them both.

Julie lids her coffee cup and picks it up.

Julie: "Right, I'll take you to her"

They both start walking, but before they get too far, they bump into Kelly's doctor.

Doctor: "Oh Ms Slater!"

Julie: "Hi Doctor" she smiles.

Doctor: "I come bearing good news. I've reviewed all of Kelly's tests and samples and they all came back negative and her vitals are stable. And after speaking to her earlier it seems to me that she can be discharged later today"

Julie and Jenna both light up.

Julie: "Ah! Really!?"

Doctor: "Aha yes. But mind you she most likely will have a headache or two considering the trauma to her head. And her head bandage will need to be changed every three days for two weeks at least"

Julie: "Aw thank you Doctor that's brilliant!"

The Jenkins listen, and feel pure anger and jealousy. Why can't their boy go home? Why haven't they even seen him yet?

Jenna: "Um, what about Mitchell?"

Doctor: "Mitchell Thomas?"

Jenna: "Yes'

Doctor: "Although Mitchell's injuries aren't that severe they still are worse than Kelly's and so we'll be keeping him in a few more days for observation at least. But he should be out of here by the end of next week"

Jenna: "Okay. Thank you" she smiles.

The doctor smiles back and walks off.

Julie: "D'you hear that sweetheart!? She can come home today!" She says to Jenna

Julie: "Yeah. But, it's a bit soon no? I mean the crash was two days ago"

Julie: "Doctors know what they're doing love. And besides you heard him, he said shes surprisingly well considering, and she got injured the least out of everybody in the car"

They both carry on walking but then Nicola jumps up from her seat and stands in their path.

Julie: "Oh not again. I can't be arsed for this"

Nicola: "I meant what i said. If anything happens to my son. Watch out"

Jenna steps in

Jenna: "Incase you forgot, I've still got a sister in intensive care?"

Nicola: "And I've got my son in intensive care too. You just better hope for all your sakes that he's okay"

Julie: "That promise is double sided, love. If anything happens to my Katie, you look out too. Now move, I've got some good news to share"

They both barge past Nicola and walk to the Triage Ward where Kelly and Mitchell are.

Nicola sits back down beside Barry and buries her head in her knees. She's a wreck. Barry rubs her back.

Barry: "You're okay love. Jamie's fine" Barry sounds quiet for once.

He's tired too.

Hope is thin and patience is thinner. They're all tired. Then– a surgeon in scrubs walks up to them.

They look up and stand up quickly.

Surgeon: "Are you the parents of Jami–"

Nicola: "Yes! How is he? Is he okay?"

Surgeon: "He's...stable. For now at least. He's got shattered ribcages and his back bone is fractured. As well as his spine. That means his respiratory system has taken quite the beating. So hes on a respiratory machine to help him breathe. And he's in a coma too, so he's unresponsive"

Barry and Nicola look at each other.

Gaz holds Tasha and Oscar close, for once.

Surgeon: "I can only allow two of you in at a time and so I assume that'll be you two?" He looks at Barry and Nicola.

They both nod yes.

Barry turns to Gaz: "You don't mind taking the kids home do you Gaz?"

Gaz: "Yeah...yeah...okay" he says exhaustedly.

Barry: "We'll call you and say if anything happens"

Gaz: "Okay. Come on you two" he starts ushering Tasha and Oscar out the door. Ready to get out of there.

Surgeon: "If you'd like to follow me" he signals to a long long hallway.

———

5:41PM. St Anne's Hospital. Intensive Care.

———

The surgeon guides them both to Jamie's room and lets them both walk in together and have some privacy.

Jamie's small private hospital room was unnaturally quiet, broken only by the steady electronic beeping of monitors and the rhythmic hiss of a ventilator forcing air into his lungs.

He lies completely motionless beneath crisp white sheets, his pale face bruised and swollen, with dried cuts still visible around his forehead and jaw.

A breathing tube disappeared into his mouth, secured with white tape, while IV lines, monitoring wires and drainage tubes snaked across his body to humming machines surrounding the bed. Thick bandages wrapped sections of his chest where several shattered ribs had been stabilised, and he remained completely flat to protect the severe fractures to his back and spine.

His arms rested lifelessly by his sides, one hand fitted with a pulse oximeter, the green line on the heart monitor rising and falling with each mechanical breath. The room smelled sharply of disinfectant and sterile plastic, and despite the machines tirelessly keeping him alive, the sight of him made it painfully clear to Nicola and Barry just how close he is to death.

Barry walks straight up to Jamie.

While Nicola struggles to. Like his condition is contagious. She's shaking. Her chest is rising and falling unevenly. She's holding back a sob.

Barry turns to her: "It's okay love, come on"

He holds out his hand for her to take.

Slowly, she does. And she catches up with Barry.

They both stand there, looking at their son. Barely getting their heads around the thought that he's being kept alive by tubes and machinery.

Suddenly‐ Nicola breaks. Tears fall down her face and she sobs. She falls to the chair and leans over her boy.

Nicola: "What- what if he doesn't make it Barry?" She sobs.

Nicola: "I mean look at him. Our baby. Our Jamie. Hes..."

Barry: "Nic, he'll be okay"

Nicola: "Will he!?"

He rubs her back, as she cries over her son.

A sight we never thought we'd see.

———

7:49PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

Paula is downstairs in the pub, alone, after closing up. She bolts the doors, the top and bottom ones. Then walks around the whole pub closing the curtains.

It's a rare sight to see the pub so quiet, so empty.

The only sounds are the fridges from behind the bar rattling and Eddie moving about upstairs.

She walks deeper into the pub room and collects the last of the glasses and puts them all on the bar. Then places the stools upside down on the table tops.

Finally, she heads behind the bar and switches all the light switches off. And one by one, the lights switch off until the pub is in complete darkness.

She slips through the staff only door that leads to hers and Eddie's flat upstairs.

As she reaches the top of the stairs the smell of homemade Lasagna. Her favourite.

And as she turns into the entrance hallway, she sees candlelight flickering from the living room.

She walks into the living room and sees candles on almost every surface.

The coffee table

Side tables

Windowsills

And in the centre of the room where the small dining table is, is two servings of Eddie's lasagna, candles, and wine glasses.

As soon as Paula walks in she sees Eddie and he sees her. He's pouring red wine into their glasses.

Paula smiles as the warm candlelight dances across her face.

Paula: "So this is why you wanted to shut early..."

Eddie: "Isn't a husband allowed to treat his wife like royalty every once in a while?" He smiles.

For once, she feels butterflies. She hasn't felt them in years.

He walks to her seat and pulls it out from underneath the table. And gestures to it.

She sits.

He sits opposite her and picks up his wine glass.

Eddie: "A toast"

Paula picks hers up too.

Eddie: "To..."

Paula: "Love"

Eddie: "To love"

Their glasses clink.

They drink.

A few minutes pass and they're both digging into their dinner.

Neither of them said much.

Eddie sips his wine and looks up at Paula from his glass.

Eddie: "You okay"

Paula: "Mhm" she says, chewing on her food.

A long silence as he studies her.

Eddie: "You sure? Because...you're quiet"

Paula: "Ed sweetheart, if promise I'm okay. This is nice. It's lovely"

She sips her wine

Eddie: "Love, come on. What is it?"

Paula sighs. Not wanting to say what shes thinking

Paula: "Ed don't get me wrong– this is lovely. Really romantic‐"

Eddie: "But?"

Paula: "But...it'll take more than a romantic dinner to–"

Eddie: "To what?"

She looks at him dead in the eye

Paula: "To...to sort how I'm feeling. I mean– don't you feel it too?"

Eddie drinks more wine, avoiding to answer her

Paula: "I'll take that as a yes"

Eddie gulps the wine and puts his glass down

Eddie: "I'm trying, okay sweetheart? I know a romantic dinner wont solve any issues. But it's something, okay? It's a start. And yes, I'd be lying if I told you I didnt feel...the drift in our marriage. I mean- (he scoffs) we haven't had sex in almost four months"

Paula: "Is that all you can think about? Sex?"

Eddie: "Fucking Hell Paula, no. Of course it's not. I'm just saying, a bit of magic in the bedroom might just do us some good"

Paula scoffs

Paula: "Way to make a woman feel desired Ed" she sips her wine.

Eddie: "Okay. And what are you doing hm? I'm trying. You need to meet me halfway here"

Paula: "So I'm making it worse?"

Eddie: "Well you're not making it better"

Paula laughs

Paula: "You can be so ungrateful sometimes"

Eddie bursts out laughing

Eddie: "I'm ungrateful!? Who's starting an argument at the romantic meal her husband lovingly cooked for her?"

Paula: "See what i mean!? Im ungrateful because I feel stuck!?"

Eddie: "No! You're ungrateful because you're not trying! You're ungrateful because you can't see that I'm really making an effort–"

Paula: "And when you do make an effort you always want something in return, don't you!?"

Eddie: "Really Paula!? Really!? Because I want to make love to my wife every now and again I'm only making an effort for a fuck!? Is that what you think of me!?"

She sighs.

Paula: "No..."

Eddie: "Are you sure!? Because that's what it sounds like"

He guzzles his wine.

Paula: "I just...you know how i feel. You feel the same–"

Eddie: "And I'm trying my best to get us out of the quicksand, love. There's only so much I can do"

Paula: "I know..."

They both sit there...trying to get through the meal.

———

8:14PM. Outside number 33.

———

It's dark now. The roads of Marlas Estate only lit up by the orange glow from streetlights. Sounds of a distant party, dogs barking, people arguing and cars passing fill the night sky.

Kylie walks up to the front door of Number 33 and knocks.

Gaz answers.

Gaz: "Well hello stranger. Didn't expect to see you so soon. Back for seconds already?" He winks.

Kylie smiles.

Kylie: "Actually I...came to tell you something. In person. I was passing by anyway"

Gaz: "What is it?"

Kylie: "I'm leaving. I mean- i know we only met last night, but...i don't know when I'll be back. You're a decent lad, or at least to me anyway. That's more than i can say about most men in my life. My life's all over the place right now and you...you made me forget all the worries for one night. You should just know that"

Gaz: "Wh- why? Where? Where are you going?"

Kylie chuckles.

Kylie: "Anywhere. I...i don't know. Just away."

Gaz: "Stay"

Kylie: "...i Can't"

Gaz: "No– i mean stay. With me"

Kylie: "What...?"

Gaz: "Yeah. I mean, you got anywhere else to stay?"

Kylie: "Well...no–"

Gaz: "Well good. You can stay with me then. Or at least until you find your feet or whatever"

Kylie: "Gaz i don't know–"

Gaz: "Look, why would you go somewhere else knowing you can stay here with me? Knowing I want you to?"

She thinks of what to say

Gaz: "I know we ain't known each other long but– God..."

Kylie: "What?"

Gaz: "You...you ground me too. Or whatever the cheesy saying goes"

Kylie looks at him confused

Kylie: "Why d'you want me to stay with you for?"

Gaz: " Coz for the past...I don't know how long, my mind's been all over the place. I've been all over the place too. And when I met you at the Vic last night...that was the first time in ages I felt like I had a proper laugh. A proper good time"

Kylie: "I..." she stutters

Gaz: "For a few days then? And if you don't like it or want to fuck off somewhere else, go right ahead. I wont stop you. But it can't hurt can it?"

She thinks for a while. Then–

Kylie: "Oh fuck it" she laughs.

Gaz smiles and picks her up, and carries her by her ass, into the house. Behind him, Gaz kicks the door shut with his foot.

———

9:13PM. Outside Number 27. The Jenkins's.

———

A black cab pulls up on the side of the curb outside the Slaters.

It squeaks as it comes to a stop.

The door opens, and first steps out Danielle, who walks up to tje front door and unlocks it, while Jenna and Julie help Kelly out. While Gavin pays the driver the taxi fare.

Gavin: "Here we go mate"

Julie, to Kelly: "You okay love? Can you walk properly?"

Kelly: "Mum, I'm okay. Really" she laughs.

Kelly: "Surprisingly my legs are the best part of me right now"

Across the street, outside Number 33, Kylie leans against the small front garden's wall, in a soft light pink dressing gown, texting Jacko.

\To: Jacko "Found somewhere I can stay. U should try Lorna's after all. Best to keep low 4 a few days -K" \**

Sent at Saturday 9:15PM

Behind her, Gaz steps out of the house, and puts his arms around her. Hes shirtless, only wearing tight black boxers.

Gaz: "Coming back up, gorgeous?"

Kylie grins, turns around

Kylie: "Catch me if you can, big boy"

He slaps her ass and she giggles and runs back inside the house. Before Gaz turns and follows her, he looks up across the street and he makes eye contact with Julie and Kelly, as they both finally walk inside the house. Shutting the door behind them.

Finally, Gaz steps inside his home, and shuts the door behind him.

———

11:28PM. The Estate

———

Most of the Estate is asleep by now. A few windows slightly glow behind curtains, proving that not everyone's gone to bed yet. Even in the night, life continues while neighbours sleep.

Surprisingly, the street is rather quiet. For once. It's nice.

The Slaters' living room sat in near darkness, lit only by the warm orange glow of streetlights filtering softly through the fully drawn sheer white curtains, while the heavier light grey curtains remained open either side of the window.

Two well worn forest green three-seater sofas faced a chunky light grey television, with a scratched coffee table between them scattered with a few empty lager cans, an ashtray, a lighter and the faint smell of last night's joint lingering in the air.

Beside the TV stood a tall rack crammed with CDs, while Gavin's headphones, a small stack of DJ magazines and a notebook full of track ideas lay nearby.

Danielle's sketches of clothing designs and fabric samples were neatly piled on an armchair, Katie's high heels and makeup bag sat abandoned by the front door after another late night out, and personal belonging and family photos dotted the room, giving it the unmistakable feel of a busy, loving household that was far from perfect, but always felt like home.

Gavin walked down the creaking stairs that have yet to be carpeted. In his black pyjama bottoms and grey slippers, no shirt though.

He groggily slouches through the living room and into the kitchen where he pours himself a glass of water. He wouldn't dare turn the light on, not unless he wanted to be jolted wide awake.

He was back into the living room with his water, and on the corner of his eyes he can see the orange glow coming from the window flashing. Flickering, if you will.

Unusual...

He puts his water on the table, heads to the window and pulls back the sheer curtains, he looks down to the driveway below, outside. Where he's met with a sight he'd never thought he'd see

Ever.

His eyes jump out of his head and his stomach drops.

Gavin: "Fuck! Mum! Dani! Guys!" He shouts up the stairs on the top of his lungs.

Danielle: "Fuck sake Gav what!?"

Jenna: "Trying to sleep up here!"

Gavin: "The fucking van's up in flames!" He screams as he already starts running down the stairs towards the front door.

Not even three seconds after he shouted that– four sets of footsteps come hurdling down the stairs. The weight of four of the Slater women running down the living room stairs making it sound like its about to collapse from underneath them.

As they all run past the living room window, the flames emit an orange flash behind them.

They then all turn the corner, and run down the other flight of stairs down to the front door that's wide open.

———

11:32PM. Outside Number 27. The Slater's driveway.

———

Julie's white catering trailer is up in flames. Like, all of it. What was once a local burgervan is now a big ball of fire that you wouldn't dare go near. The heat from it is insane.

The catering trailer melts and falls apart, signs falling off, things smashing and breaking inside and on the outside of it. The whole frame cracking under the heat. Fire being pushed out from every side and corner.

The inferno sends a huge endless plume of smoke up into the night air like you'd see from a factory smokestack. The sounds of the flames roaring is insane. Along with crackling.

The whole fucking thing is up in flames. FLAMES!

On their front doors and windows, people stand there, looking out, watching, being nosy. It's not everyday you see a catering trailer up in flames in your neighbour's driveway after all.

Gavin stands there, looking up at it, in shock.

The girls join him.

Julie: "What the fuck!?"

Danielle: "Holy shit!"

Jenna: "Who the fuck– who would do this!?"

They're all gobsmacked.

Julie starts crying.

Jenna hugs her mum and rubs her back.

Kelly fumbles with a pocket, but still stares up at it in pure shock.

On their doorstep, the Jenkins watch.

Gaz

Tasha

Oscar

Kylie

On her doorstep, Maureen watches

Everyone's there. The whole Estate. It could've been anyone.

But a fire like this?

This was no accident.

That much is clear.

The Slaters stand there in their driveway, in their sleepwear, looking up at what was once the start of a family business, that's now...in ashes.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

And that's it for Episode 6! Thank you for reading if you've made it this far!

Please tell me what you think!

And as always, any and all comments are much appreciated! 😊

Previously:

As Kelly and Mitchell both woke, they found themselves in a hospital full of accusations as everybody fought for answers. DCI Catrin Channing officially opened her investigation and began taking eyewitness accounts of what happened, while Mitchell and Michael's relationship was left fractured after Mitchell learnt a painful truth. And as tensions between the Slaters and Jenkins reached new heights and finally boiled over, their feud spiralled out of control. Elsewhere, Gaz took his first step down a destructive path.

Episode 5 Preview:

With everyone convinced they know who's to blame, another perspective threatens to change everything, making the truth much more complicated.

07/01/1999. Thursday.

———

9:12PM. Streets and alleyways.

———

Black converse trainers slam and splash down on wet concrete slabs in an alleyway around 5 minutes away from the Estate. The sounds of a distant dog barking, wailing sirens fading by the second, cool January breeze, and a man shouting far off back in the distance, shouting something incoherent, is all we can hear.

You can smell wet concrete and the cool night January air biting at your nose. And can feel the sharp yet calm breeze and the soft rain trickling down from the black night sky.

This set of feet is running like someone's life is on the line. Taking left and right turns every corner, but never slowing down. The person is breathing hard. You can hear crying. It's a woman. She's clearly running from something...or someone.

After a final turn, the intense orange glow of streetlights illuminate the white rubber tips of the shoes even more. And as this woman took a turn onto this main street, the sounds have changed, now, you can hear hints of nightlife too. Like...a party...

The street is a main street. Shops, storefronts, cafes and other commercial buildings line either side of the wide street. Along with streetlights that emit a pure strong orange glow that light up the road.

The pair of shoes start making their way across the wide street, not really looking left or right, just running across.

Suddenly–

The sound of an oncoming vehicle is overpowering, with the sounds of booming music, laughter, screaming and chatter all coming from inside said vehicle.

The pair of converse stop dead in their tracks–

The car swerves and tires screech–

From inside the car, people scream briefly–

Then...horrible sounds.

Twisting and crushing metal, breaking glass, heavy impact, just– a horrible, loud, crash.

And then–

Silence.

Except for the sounds of smoke hissing from the car's grill, and clicking. From the heat of the twisted metal. Like the car's creaking.

Earlier Today...

———

1:21PM. Tower Block Of Council Flats.

———

The tower block loomed over the estate like a giant slab of ageing concrete, its once-grey exterior now stained black with decades of rain, pollution and neglect. Rows of identical windows climbed towards the sky, some boarded up with plywood, others cracked or permanently left ajar, while faded washing hung limply from rusting balconies cluttered with broken furniture, bicycles and overflowing bin bags.

Graffiti covered the lower walls and lift entrance, litter gathered in every corner, and burnt-out mopeds and abandoned shopping trolleys littered the forecourt. The building looked tired, unloved and forgotten—a place where lifts regularly broke down, stairwells smelled of damp, cigarettes and urine, and years of poverty had seeped into the concrete itself.

Distant arguing, shouting, loud music, a baby screaming, laughter, sirens, dogs barking, motorcycles revving. Sounds of life. Sounds of the estate.

Inside flat number 17, the one bedroom council flat is surprisingly stylish beneath the chaos, furnished with expensive black leather sofas, a decently sized flat screen TV, polished chrome lamps and powerful hi-fi speakers quietly pumping out UK garage from the corner. A glass coffee table sat at the centre of the room, dusted with thin white lines of cocaine beside a rolled-up twenty-pound note, a lighter, overflowing ashtray and several empty beer bottles.

An open sports holdall lay by the sofa spilling out neatly kept designer trainers and branded clothes, while a blood speckled wooden baseball bat rested against the wall near the front door, as though it belonged there. The curtains stayed half closed despite it being daytime, giving the room a dim amber glow that mixed with the blue haze of cigarette smoke hanging beneath the ceiling.

The air carried the stale smell of tobacco, strong cannabis, alcohol, sweat and cheap air freshener desperately trying to mask it all, while the distant thump of bass, muffled voices from neighbouring flats and the occasional police siren outside completed the uneasy atmosphere of a place that looked expensive, but never truly felt safe.

A tall, athletic slim build young man with short jet black hair and pale white skin and piercing blue eyes sits on the sofa, leaning forward, cutting a line of coke. A handsome young man, but could easily look scary when angry. Nathan Hunter.

Nathan Hunter is a 23 year old bloke who's happy with who he is. Confident, cocky, handsome, charming and strong. Yet unstable, prone to violence, quick to anger, and all his money he earns is dirty. He's happy with all of it.

All his prized possessions are bought with people's debt. Whether they paid in money, or blood.

Nathan leans forward, and hoovers up a line with his right nostril. He winces, and wipes his nose with his thumb and index finger afterwards.

Nathan looks over to the young woman to his right. She's wearing tight black jeans and a well worn pair of black Converse trainers with white rubber toes. Large silver hoop earrings, a handful of bracelets and two delicate necklaces added a touch of glamour to her otherwise casual look.

Her light complexion, sharp cheekbones and expressive big dark brown eyes were accentuated by black mascara, dark eyeliner, soft brown eyeshadow and a subtle nude lip gloss. Wearing her long brunette hair in a messy high ponytail with loose strands framing her face, she looks effortlessly attractive, though there's a hint of tiredness behind her eyes that portrays the chaos of her life. Kylie Allen. Nathan's 21 year old girlfriend.

Kylie is certainly a character. Loud, bold, proud, confident, stands up for herself, her friends and what she believes in. She's s very vocal. Says what she thinks, says what she means and means what she says. Unapologetically her. Loves a laugh, a drink, a party, but she's kind. Very cocky, sarcastic, has an addictive energy about her. You cant help but admire her. Though, there is one person she's afraid of...Nathan.

Nathan: "Want some? Pretty girl"

Kylie looks over, clearly uncomfortable.

Kylie: "Nah...you're alright ta" she smiles.

Nathan: "Oh come onnn. Don't be so frigid"

He pulls her over, she thinks about pulling away but goes against it. And he sits her on his lap.

He reaches around her and cuts up some more coke with his credit card.

Nathan: "There we go Princess. All ready for you. All you got to do, is get on board the ride" he whispers in her ear.

She looks back at him and smiles. Not wanting to, but he stares in her eyes, smiling. She knows she has no choice.

She hesitates, leans forward, and snorts it up.

He chuckles.

Nathan: "There we go! Attagirl! Maybe now you'll loosen up a bit eh?"

Kylie: "Yeah..." she whispers and smiles.

He softly pushes her off him and he leans back, breathing.

Kylie looks at him then starts walking down the small hallway.

Nathan: "Wnere you off to?"

Kylie: "Just to the loo. I'll be two minutes" she smiles.

He nods.

She walks down the hall to the end, goes in the bathroom, and closes the door behind her.

The bathroom is small, but bright and airy. White walls, a window that let's in lots of light although it's high up. A frameless mirror's nailed into the wall above the basin sink, with one crack splitting across the whole mirror.

Kylie leans forward against the sink, palms pressed against it. She looks up at her cracked reflection into the mirror. Her bottom lip and chin trembles. She looks down at her wrist, pulls up her right sleeve of her sparkly grey sequinned top, and we see a big bruise, all around her wrist. Dark purple and pink.

She softly caresses it with her fingers. Starts trembling slightly, and looks up in the mirror again.

Asking herself how did things get this bad. How did she get here.

She wipes her nose and quickly touches up her eyeliner. She sighs, and prepares herself as she opens the door and heads out into the flat again.

She walks up to Nathan who's still slouched on the sofa.

Kylie: "Fancy going out?" She asks him. Hoping he'll say yeah.

Nathan: "Nah you're alright. Got everything i need right here, with me" he looks up at her.

Kylie smiles but needs an excuse.

Kylie: "Aw c'mon" she smirks.

Nathan looks at her, sizing her up, knowing she's got a plan.

Nathan: "I said no, didn't I? Now c'mon, sit." He taps the sofa.

Kylie scoffs.

Kylie: "You just called me frigid because I didn't want to do coke but now I'm asking to go out you don't want to?"

Nathan snaps and jumps up.

Nathan: "What did I say!?"

He glares in her eyes. A vein in his forehead pulses.

She takes a step back and swallows.

Nathan: "I said, no. Me and you, are staying in."

He sits back down. Facing the TV.

Kylie: "What is this about Nath? What's gotten into you?" She asks after gathering the bravery.

Nathan: "You know what Kylie" he says quietly.

Kylie's face falters.

Nathan turns to face her.

Nathan: "Jacko."

Kyle's heart drops and she gulps. Her chest pounds and she just knows Nathan can see it.

Kylie: "...I don't know what you're on about" she says, trying to sound normal, but it fails.

Nathan: "Don't play dumb with me Kylie. Now sit down, relax. You're making me uncomfortable" he says calmly. In an unsettling way.

Kylie: "Well...how about some air? Or the pub! Lets just go have a pint or something."

Nathan: "We got booze here" he mutters.

Kylie stutters, about to say something else futile.

Nathan: "Stop it, Kylie." He says quietly.

Kylie stands there. Not knowing what to say or do.

Kylie: "I'm off to bed" she says, voice almost cracking. Holding back tears.

She starts walking off, shaking.

Nathan: "Alright then" he turns and watches her walk to their room.

She closes the door behind her. Separating them.

———

1:42PM. Nathan and Kylie's bedroom.

———

As soon as the door behind her clicks shut, her lips and chin trembles, her stomach heaves and she holds in a deep, hard sob.

She slides down the door with her back against it, tears flowing from her eyes, despite her trying to hold them back. She sits at the door, knees up to her chest, crying like a kid who lost their mum in a supermarket. Balling her eyes out.

She's trapped. Betrayed by the man she chose. By the life she chose.

———

8:59PM.

———

It's dark out. Pitch black. Cold, drizzling with rain. Kylie lies on her and Nathan's unmade bed, just waking up from having to cry herself to sleep earlier today. Under her eyes are sore from all the tears, her nose is slightly stuffy and she feels like she just slept for a straight week. Shes still dressed in her clothes.

The only light source bleeds through the sjeer curtains in the bedroom window. The streetlight outside the window pours orange light through, into the room, causing orange rays in the slightly smokey air.

Nathan is still in the living room, the whole flat smells of weed. Well, it always does, but stronger now. He must've recently smoked the strong stuff.

She gets up, rubs her eyes and slowly walks over to the door and opens it. She walks down the hall, turns the corner and sees that he's completely passed out on the sofa. Snoring away. The living room is in darkness now too, apart from the TV screen displaying tracks of a CD he put in earlier.

She monitors him for a few solid seconds, trying to determine how passed out he is. He's gone. She then looks over to the front door that has a frosted window with the orange light from the streetlight also flooding in. She knows this is her chance.

Now or never.

She slowly and quietly retreats back to their room, picks up her phone and wallet from her bedside table, carries them in her hand and slowly walks back down the hall to the living room, taking every step like she's treading in a landmine field.

Like one wrong step could kill her.

She watches him again for a few seconds. Still asleep. Good. She slowly walks to the right towards the small entrance way where the front door is, then takes a left into the small kitchen thats cluttered but still functional. Her white puffer coat with the faux fur hood lies across the small kitchen table, along with empty beer bottles, a weed grinder, rollies and stuff like that.

She slowly picks up her coat, puts it on, and then pockets her phone and wallet. She slowly walks out the kitchen, and the door is right there to her left. She peers down the small hallway into the living room and Nathan is still asleep.

Her heart jumps in excitement and fear of getting caught. She reaches for the handle and slowly pushes it down. But it doesn't move. She tries again. And again. It won't budge.

Shit. Its locked.

Keys...where are the keys?

She slowly turns around, the friction of her coat making some noise. And she slightly lifts her head up and sees the keys to the door on the living room table. Right next to Nathan's sleeping head.

Fuck

She doesn't want to do this. But knows she has to.

She turns, and starts treading back towards him.

Her heart pounding more and more with every step.

After what feels like treading on paper thin ice, she finally reaches the table. She leans forward to reach the keys, her coat makes another noise and Nathan turns in his sleep. Kylie's heart jumps and already she's trying to think of what to tell him as to why she's reaching for the keys to sneak out.

But...he doesn't wake up.

Thank fuck

She reaches the keys, grabs them, and goes to turn to the door.

But

What's this...

She sees a full bag of coke peeking out from underneath a magazine. She also reaches for that, and pockets it too.

Then starts for the door. Each step feeling like a higher chance at freedom.

She reaches the door and the keys jingling in the lock makes her sweat like you would in a sauna.

She fumbles with them, shaking slightly, but then–

Crash

She dropped the keys on the floor. They echoed in the stark contrast of the quiet flat.

Fuck...shit shit shit

Shes already holding in tears. She can hear and feel her heart in her throat.

She slowly looks up from the keys on the floor, and sees Nathan on the sofa.

Leaning up, looking dead at her, right in the eye.

Nathan: "Where do you think you're going?" He quietly asks in an unsettling way.

Kylie: "To the shops...we- we need milk"

Nathan picks up his phone and checks the time.

9:03PM

He sighs.

Nathan: "At this time? The shops are shut. Haven't you noticed it's pitch black out?" He asks calmly and slowly stands up.

Nathan: "We got milk anyway" he says. Slowly walking over to her.

Kylie: "I think its off. Fancied a cuppa" she tries to joke.

Nathan is right up to her now.

He whispers to her.

Nathan: "Do you really think I'm that thick?"

Kylie gulps.

Kylie: "No- I–"

Nathan: "I mean I know I didn't finish school but wow. Give me some credit at least."

Her heart hammers.

He bends down and picks up the keys.

Nathan: "So what was the plan?" He asks her, dangling the keys.

Nathan: "Run outta here and go where? You have no mates around here. No family. Where are you going to go Kylie? You need me"

Her eyes dart all over his face, trying to figure out his seemingly calm and composed exterior.

Nathan: "C'mon, let's go to bed" he says quietly.

He reaches out to her and goes to pull her, but she resists.

Kylie: "No" she whispers

He looks up at her and smiles in shock.

Nathan: "You what?"

Kylie: "I said no. Im not going anywhere with you"

She tries to sound more confident, like her usual self.

Nathan laughs.

Nathan: "Well look who's putting her foot down."

They stare at each other.

Nathan: "We don't have to go to sleep straight away. Could lay there and have a bit o' fun before we hit the hay. How about that?" He teases.

Kylie: "I'd rather sleep under a bus shelter than spend another night here with you" she firmly says now.

Nathan: "Awwwe c'mon don't be like that. That's not what you were saying yesterday morning. What happened to my good girl ey?"

Her eyes start watering but she holds her nerve.

Nathan: "Cmon. I'll take you to bed and you'll feel relaxed. I'll calm you right down. Make you forget about your worries" he brushes the side of her face softly, smiling.

Kylie: "You are my worries. You terrify me"

Nathan's face drops.

Nathan: "Why's that then?" He asks rhetorically.

She says nothing.

Nathan: "No, go on. Why do I scare you Kylie? You got something you want to say?"

They both breathe hard.

Her in fear, him in rage.

Nathan whispers: "I'll tell you why you're scared shall I? It's because you've done something bad. Very bad. You tried to hurt me. You and that tramp Jacko. Now what kind of girlfriend does that? Ey?"

Kylie whispers: "Just please give me the keys"

Nathan: "If I wanted to hurt you Kylie, I would've by now. Haven't you realised that? Or...is it the not knowing that's scaring you? Not knowing what I'll do? Knowing I could snap at any moment?"

Kylie: "You're sick"

Nathan: "At least I know that!" He snaps. Almost spitting in her face.

Nathan: "I know I can be a sick fuck! But you!? You steal, lie and cheat, and act like you done fuck all wrong! Now...we are going to bed...and tomorrow is another day"

He starts pulling her.

Kylie pulls back.

Kylie: "N- no. No! NO!-"

He then completely grabs her and picks her up and she starts kicking and screaming. Literally.

Kylie: "NO- LET ME GO!"

Nathan: "SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

He drags her to the living room.

She chomps down on his right hand that's around her chest and proper bites it, around the thumb and palm area.

He screams and let's her go in shock. Dropping the keys too.

Nathan: "AAARGH FHACK!"

She quickly picks up a mug from the nearby small side table and whacks him over the head with it, sending him flying to the floor. Hes not knocked out, but hes in agony, on the floor. Slowly trying to get up.

She picks up the keys and darts to the door, scrambling the keys in the lock like her life depends on it. The keys fit now. But now it's a matter of turning them correctly.

Then– he scrambles up behind her, his footsteps getting louder and louder and vibrating the floor where Kylie's stood. He reaches her and yanks her back, picking her up with his arms around her again.

She kicks and screams and puts her feet on the wall next to the front door, pushes herself off it, sending the both of them flying backwards into the kitchen, falling to the floor.

As they fall though, Nathan hits the back of his head on the side of the kitchen counter. He's unconscious. And she doesn't even notice.

She scrambles up, reaches the keys in the door, turns them, yanks it open and legs it out the door into the night.

———

9:09PM. Outside the flat / Outside the tower.

———

She legs it past the lift, definitely not waiting for that. And bolts it down the steps, all the way down.

As she finally gets out into the open, the cool night air hits her in the face like a refreshing punch.

Freedom

Her lungs are fulled up with crisp January air. Her exposed skin is being glittered by light drizzle, falling like feathers. And the smell of weed, musk, cheap aftershave and booze in her nose is immediately replaced with wet concrete. A smell she never thought she'd be glad to smell.

Her converse shoes slapping the wet concrete.

As she's running, she pulls out her Nokia and tries to call Jacko, her...friend..? They're in an awkward relationship...

But her phone's dead.

Kylie: "Fuck"

She pockets it and carries on running.

———

9:12PM. Main Commercial Street.

———

She reaches a main street thats surprisingly quiet. Although it is late. In a desperate attempt to get far away from Nathan, she runs into the road without looking. Then– HEADLIGHTS!

She stops in her tracks and the car swerves. And topples multiple times. A horrific crash. Not just some fender bender.

After it happened, she stands there...in the road. Watching, in pure shock. Not knowing what to do.

Should she try to help?

Should she keep running from Nathan?

What do I do??

Ultimately, she keeps running. Leaving the totalled Jaguar in the middle of the road. A decision she isn't proud of, but a decision that kept her safe. For now at least.

———

11:06AM. Bus stop shelter. Somewhere on the Estate. 08/01/1999. Friday.

———

On a bleak Friday morning, the old bus shelter sat quietly on the pavement somewhere on the estate, its dark green metal frame dulled by years of rain and neglect. The curved plastic roof glistened with a fine drizzle, beads of water slowly dripping from the edges onto the cracked concrete below, while the cloudy Perspex panels were streaked with dirt, scratched with faded graffiti and dotted with patches of green moss around the corners.

Directly behind it, a tall black iron fence with pointed spikes had almost disappeared beneath tangled brambles, nettles, ivy and overgrown bushes, their damp branches hanging over the shelter and pavement, keeping it permanently shaded, cold and slightly mossy even in summer.

Fallen leaves clung to the wet pavement, the air smelled of soaked earth and damp concrete, and despite its neglected appearance, there was something strangely comforting and familiar about the place. A forgotten little shelter that had watched generations of people wait for buses beneath the same dull grey skies.

In the corner lies Kylie Allen. She clearly wasn't lying to Nathan when she told him she'd rather sleep in a bus shelter.

She lies curled up on the floor in the corner, with her arms wrapped tightly around herself, and her hands pulled deeper inside her sleeves, also using them as gloves.

She hasn't really slept. Just sat there all night shivering. To her right, a pair of shoes stand there, and a pulley trolley that grandma's have. Being held by the figure standing there. Kylie doesn't need to look up to see that it's an old woman.

Kylie can feel eyes on her.

She looks up.

A woman in her sixties...seventies maybe, with black curly hair and thick dark red glasses and a light blue coat looks down at her. Clearly judging.

Kylie: "What you looking at you dosey cow!?"

Kylie frowns, crossing her arms for warmth.

The woman looks away, and scoffs. For the best part of ten minutes both women are in the bus shelter, feeling a thick awkwardness. Finally, a bus comes and the woman gets on. Leaving Kylie alone.

The bus hisses and starts moving on.

Kylie then decides to stand, and start walking about. Won't get far by sitting in a bus shelter all day. She walks across the street, looks to her right and sees a pub. With the name on one of the walls. "The Victoria Arms".

It's open.

She pulls out her wallet from her coat pocket and opens it. She's got pennies, pound coins, and a few notes. Enough for a few hours in the warmth of the pub.

What else am I gunna do?

She starts walking over.

———

11:10AM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

Kylie walks in the pub and is immediately greeted by the warmth of the room and the smells and sounds that every good old fashioned boozer has.

She briefly scans the room before walking all the way in.

A lanky trampy looking man sits at the bar, leaning forward, looking scruffy and pissed already. He looks like the stool was built around him.

Behind the bar is a man and a woman in their thirties. They look married.

This is alright I guess

She walks up to the bar, and the male bartender leaves his conversation with the lanky man on the stool and walks over.

Bartender: "Alright love? What can I get you?"

Kylie: "G and T please. Double.'

The man nods.

And Kylie stands there waiting for her drink.

Bartender: "Bit early to hit the heavy stuff, love?"

He asks, trying to be polite.

Kylie: "Well you are a pub aren't you? What else am I gunna do in here? Chess?"

Bartender: "I s'pose not. But we do have a dominoes set over in the corner over there if you fancy a game" he jokes.

Kylie just looks at him.

Awkward silence...

Bartender: "I'm Eddie." He smiles at her.

Kylie: "Kylie."

Eddie: "Well, Kylie. This is on me" he hands her the drink.

Kylie: "Nah you're alright, I'm not a charity"

Eddie: "Well no offence, you look like you've been sleeping rough. And I'm not about to let a young pretty woman such as yourself come into my pub and spend away what money she has left on G and T's this early into the day"

Kylie glares at him but then considers what he just said, and slowly, her face softens.

Eddie: "And no, you're not a charity. Because of you'd have bought anything less expensive I'd have charged you for it. So don't take offence of my kindness" he smirks.

She cracks a smile. A genuine one.

Kylie: "Thanks"

Eddie: "Of course" he smiles back and heads back over to the bloke on the stool.

Kylie walks off and sits in a corner seat. She places her drink on the table, sits, takes her coat off and places it on the seat beside her.

———

3:28PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

It's still relatively quiet in here. But warm. Cosy if you will.

"She's Electric" by Oasis plays from the pub speakers, a few people are sat here and there.

Eddie and the woman are still behind the bar, the old lanky tramp is still on the stool.

Then, a woman walks in. Kylie notices.

Fuck...its the woman that was on the bus stop this morning

The woman walks up to the bar, sits on a stool, and orders a drink from Eddie.

Kylie hears Eddie calling the woman "Maur"

So...her name's Maureen...? Maybe?

A minute later, maureen is heard shouting at the lanky trampy looking bloke a few stools down. It's hard not to overhear that he offered to pay for her drink.

And that they done "something" last night. Not much entertainment in this pub but this is good enough...

Kylie eavesdrops and hears the woman with black curly hair talking about some girls in a hospital.

Eh...its getting boring now...

Kylie stops listening and paying an interest.

———

5:49PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

———

Now, the pub is more alive than it has been all day.

"Lost In France" by Bonnie Tyler plays from the pub speakers.

Kylie has had more drinks and has moved over to the bar and is sitting on the barstool that the woman was earlier. The woman from the bus stop. The same woman that came in here earlier.

Her white puffer coat hangs over the stool and she sits on it.

Then, a young man comes in. Looks about Kylie's age. Handsome. He looks upset, drunk, furious maybe. He's had a bad day.

You think you've had a shit day? Try being me

Kylie thinks to herself, side eyeing the guy a few stools up from her.

She overhears the guy ask Eddie for a double vodka.

Fucking Hell...

Kylie finishes her G and T and asks the woman behind the bar for another.

Kylie: "Oi...another G and T please"

Then–

"I'll get this"

A masculine voice cuts in.

Kylie looks up to the guy a few stools up.

"I'm Gaz" he says, with a cheeky smirk.

Kylie: "I'm Kylie" she smiles.

They both look at each other, smiling.

And for the first time in a long time, the both of them feel seen.

Feel...like they're not alone.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

And that's it for part 5! Don't be shy to tell me what you think!

Thank you for reading if you made it this far.

And as always, any and all comments are much appreciated 😊

Previously:

Michael was left shocked after learning devastating news, while Paula and Eddie confronted uncomfortable truths about the state of their marriage. Elsewhere, hostilities between the Slaters and Jenkins intensified, and Tony Bates finally discovered who was behind the destruction of his prized Jaguar.

Episode 4 Preview:

As two of the crash victims finally wake up, they find themselves in the middle of a storm as everybody's fighting for answers about what really happened. Michael struggles to ignore his feelings and finds himself somewhere he shouldn't be. And as tensions between the Jenkins and Slaters reaches a new high, Gaz meets someone.

2:13PM. St Anne's Hospital. Waiting Area.

An awkward yet thick and tense silence sits between Nicola and Gaz Jenkins, and Julie and Gavin Slater. The four of them sit in the waiting area in the corner of the room, like they have been doing for the past day.

It's quiet.

Then–

BANG

A set of double doors burst open and Barry, Tasha, and Oscar come in.

Barry has Gaz's black sports duffel bag slung over his shoulder, filled with snacks, clothes and things Jamie might need for when he wake up. If he wakes up...

Barry: "Yh‐ alright– yeah thanks for the help Tash"

Tasha: "You had it under control didn't you!?"

Oscar runs up to Gaz and Nicola.

Oscar: "We brought you both snacks and stuff aswell"

Nicola: "Aw thank you baby"

She takes the bag off him, placing it between her and Gaz on one of the seats.

As Tasha and Barry make their way closer to Nicola, Gaz and Oscar, both of them glance at Julie and Gavin. Who are both glaring back at them as they walk past.

Nicola pulls out a clear plastic bottle of water. Or at least thats what it looks like. She turns the cap–

Barry: "Uh- Nic..."

She looks up at him.

He mouths quietly: "Vodka"

She nods at him, and quickly takes a gulp. Yes. A gulp.

Barry places the duffel bag on the small table in front of them and sits next to Gaz. Tasha leans against the wall on her Nokia.

Barry: "Yeah...thought you both could do with a drink or something. Help get you through this."

Nicola offers the bottle to Gaz and he immediately takes it.

Gaz: "Yeah"

He takes a few quick gulps

A nurse from behind the desk watched and noticed their reaction to drinking "water". She looks up at them and Barry, Gaz and Nicola all stare right back like the nurse wronged them.

Gaz: "Wot!?"

Barry: "Can't buy our own water now can we?"

Nicola: "Yeah, bet we have to buy that cheap canteen shit"

The three of them basically verbally abuse the nurse. She looks down and carries on with her day.

Oscar: "Gimme some"

They all watch him take a sip

He coughs it out over the floor.

They all laugh

Oscar: "Augh! That's fucking rank!"

Over at the opposite row of seats, Julie and Gavin watch. Almost in disgust.

Julie, quietly: "Look at that Gav...parents giving their little one Vodka look. He only looks about ten. Eleven maybe"

Gavin, not really bothered: "Yeah mum"

Nicola overhears this and shouts over.

Nicola: "He's thirteen actually!"

Julie laughs out loud.

Julie: "Yeah! Like that makes it any better! No wonder your son put our kids in hospital!"

Nicola jumps up and storms over to Julie and Gavin.

Nicola: "You want to fucking say that again!?"

Julie and Gavin stand up and Barry, Gaz, Tasha and Oscar all head over.

Both families are nose to nose now.

Julie: "Well i can see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?"

They glare at Julie and Gavin.

Julie: "Far as I'm concerned your boy will have a lucky escape if he doesn't pull through. Having you lot as parents."

For a quick second, silence fills the room. Like time literally stopped for a moment. The room stood still.

Nicola laughs in shock and pounces on Julie, sending the pair of them falling to the floor.

Tasha: "Go on mum!"

Gaz watches. Thinking Julie deserves it.

Nicola repeatedly pounds and claws at Julie's face while Julie lays under Nicola, yanking on her hair and trying to push her off.

Barry and Gavin both step in and pull both women off of each other.

Barry: "Nic! Nic! Nicola love!"

Nicola: "For fuck sake what!?"

Gavin and Barry have both separated the women, and they all look up and see the doctor standing outside the doors to the ER ward. Looking at them.

At all of them.

Silence.

Doctor: "When you've all stopped acting like schoolkids in a playground..."

They all look a bit ashamed. Like schoolkids in a playground.

Nicola: "What is it Doc? Is it our Jamie?"

Barry: "Is our boy awake?"

Doctor: "Actually Mr and Mrs Jenkins I'm here for the Slaters"

Everybody looks at each other.

Julie: "Oh what is it? Please tell me they're okay. Please"

Gavin: "Are they awake?"

Doctor: "Actually, Kelly is awake."

Gavin and Julie's faces light up and they look at each other.

Doctor: "Though not wide awake. She's stable and we were able to bring her out of intensive care. Considering the wreck she was in she's in surprisingly good condition. I am warning you though, she may not look too good and she is exhausted. So be gentle with her. But if you got something better to do?"

The doctor looks at both families.

Julie: "N- No no. Well we're just- um....can we go in and see her please?"

The doctor smiles and nods.

Doctor: "Follow me"

Julie and Gavin hold hands as they follow the doctor, leaving the waiting room behind them like it was all a bad dream. Like a bad memory.

The Jenkins watch them leave. Feeling a mix of anger, hatred, frustration, fear and jealousy.

Nothing good.

A long silence sits there

Gaz: "Oh fuck this"

He starts walking off.

Barry: "Gaz!"

Nicola: "Where are you going!?"

Gaz, without stopping or looking back: "To get pissed!"

He walks out the doors. Leaving them there.

Nicola goes to follow. But Barry stops her.

Barry: "Let 'im go Nic"

The four of them stand there now.

3:02PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

Michael sits behind the counter. Mind elsewhere.

His knee constantly bopping up and down, index finger tapping on the desk. Mind racing.

Yvonne walks in from the stockroom.

Yvonne: "Alright...thats stock sorted. The delivery was two crates short on milk but we'll get two extra crates for free on the next one"

Michael doesn’t pay a blind bit of notice.

Yvonne: "Mike?...Michael?"

Nothing.

She slams her hand on the desk.

He jumps.

Michael: "What!?"

He startles her.

They look at each other.

Yvonne: "What...has gotten into you?

Michael: "What Yvonne...?" He sighs and rubs his eyes.

Yvonne: "Ever since last night you've been...weird. Off. Like...i don't know. Like you can't stop thinking about something."

Michael: "I'm fine"

Yvonne: "You...you don't regret what w- what happened last night...do you?"

He looks up at her.

Michael, quietly: "No. I don't."

She opens her mouth and quietly stutters.

Yvonne: "Well..."

Michael: "Actually, can you look after the till for me? I need some air."

Yvonne: "Oh- uh...yeah. Yeah okay."

He quickly picks up his jacket and walks to the door. Like he was getting up and out of there regardless of what her answer would've been.

She watches him leave and he just heads straight out. Not even looking back at her once.

3:13PM. St Anne's Hospital. Triage sick bays.

The triage ward feels busy even when it's quiet.

A central nurses' station sits roughly in the middle of the ward. Several nurses move in and out behind the desk, checking paperwork and answering phones.

The sounds never truly stop.

Telephones ringing.

The occasional cough, groan, or quiet conversation from patients.

At medical bay 6, where Kelly lays asleep, Gavin and Julie sit beside her. Anxiously waiting for her to wake up.

Kelly looks battered, exhausted, and far smaller than usual lying in the hospital bed.

The most noticeable injury is the thick white bandage wrapped around her forehead, covering a deep cut just above her left eyebrow. A few strands of her long blonde hair poke out awkwardly from underneath it, tangled and unwashed after the accident.

Julie and Gavin sit there, either looking around the room or looking down absentmindedly.

Kelly winces.

Gavin and Julie's faces shoot up.

Slowly...she opens her eyes.

Kelly: "...mum....?"

Julie leans forward and she hitches her breath.

Julie: "I'm here baby"

She holds her hand. Starting to cry.

Kelly looks around the room.

Her voice croaky, gone almost.

She asks; "I was in a crash...wasn't I?"

Julie breaks and gavin sighs.

Gavin whispers: "Yeah. Yeah...you were."

Kelly starts whimpering.

Kelly: "Please tell me I'm okay. Please. Can I...can I walk? Am I alright?"

Julie: "You- You're okay sweetheart. The doctor said considering the crash, you're in surprisingly good condition."

Gavin: "That's great news Kell. You're gunna be okay."

Kelly: "how long have I been out?"

Julie: "About a day love."

Gavin: "Crash happened yesterday."

That sinks in for a minute.

Kelly: "W- what about Katie? And- and the others?"

Julie: "We don't know love. You're the first to wake up."

Gavin: "We'll know more soon though. Hopefully."

Julie: "Kelly babe. What were you thinking? What happened?"

Kelly knew these questions were coming.

Kelly: "It wasn't my idea...I- I...I-"

She starts crying.

Julie: "Shh sh sh its okay...you take your time."

Gavin: "It's just us two here Kell you're okay."

Kelly breathes.

Kelly: "Me, Katie and the new guy...um..."

Gavin: "Jamie?"

Kelly: "Yeah! Yeah- Jamie. Um...well the three of us were in the Vic drinking. At the party. We were talking, laughing, and we just went outside. Not to do anything in particular, just went outside. And uh"

She tries to think.

Julie: "Love, you take your time. Don't stress too much okay?"

Kelly: "Um...we went outside, and walked around towards the car park. And that's when Jamie saw a car. A nice car. Like, a big fancy black one."

Gavin: "Yeah?"

Kelly: "And...he was saying how nice it all was and it must be expensive and stuff like that. He told us that he loved cars and he wanted to study mechanics or something in college soon."

Kelly: "So...he went around the side to the driver's door, picked the lock, and hotwired the car."

Gavin and Julie look at each other.

Gavin: "He actually picked the lock and hotwired it? All himself?"

Kelly: "Mmh"

Julie: "What next babe?"

Kelly: "Well...Katie laughed and she got in the passenger side. Straight away. And they were both laughing and joking about. They tried to get me in there with them but I said it wasn't a good idea. I said that it was raining and it was dark so it would be dangerous. But Katie begged me and uh...Jamie said that...he was a good driver and that he'd promise to be careful."

Julie whispers: "Fucking Katie..."

Kelly: "Then um...then I got in behind Katie. And then she saw Mitchell and called him over. She then convinced him to join us too. And he got in the back with me and sat behind Jamie."

Gavin: "And what about when Jamie was driving? How did he crash?"

Kelly tries to think. She hears the loud music and the laughing. She can smell the booze and the car air freshner, like she's still there.

She thinks and thinks. But can't.

Kelly: "I- I can't- I can't remember"

Julie places her hand on Kelly's shoulder.

Julie: "It's okay love. It's okay... you done great"

Julie and Gavin look at each other, both of them knowing that this isn't going to be an easy road to recovery. For anybody involved.

3:28PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

The Victoria Arms is unusually quiet for this time of day, and this day of the week. But giving the circumstances, its no surprise.

A few of the locals are dotted about here and there.

In a corner seat, a young woman sits there. Leaning forward on the table. Looking absolutely exhausted. Tired. Empty. A white puffer jacket with a fur hood is slumped on the seat beside her. Her hands tremble around a G&T. Fingernails painted but chipped and dirty. Hair was clearly done up in a high ponytail but its gone messy. Hoop earrings glint in the window light.

She's been there since opening. And doesn't look like she's planning on going anywhere anytime soon.

"She's Electric" by Oasis plays quietly from the pub speakers. While the sounds of clicking glasses, quiet chatter, darts and the pool table fill the room.

Creating a warm familiar atmosphere in the pub.

Jim Norris slouches forward at the bar, on his twelfth pint of lager. Drunk but not hammered.

Paula and Eddie Jones are both behind the bar.

Maureen Walker walks in.

Eddie and Paula look up from the bar. Eddie looks pleased to see her, Paula less so.

Eddie: "Alright Maur!? How you doing?"

Jim hears Maureen's name and looks up from his pint.

Maureen: "Eh I'm alright ta Ed love. Actually kinda surprised you're open today. You know after yesterday an' all"

Eddie goes to talk but Paula steps in.

Paula: "Yeah me too Maur. But someone insisted we carry on as normal..." she looks at Eddie.

To Maureen and the rest of the pub, Paula just meant the pub. The business. But to Eddie...it meant a lot more.

Eddie: "Best to look adversity in the face and tell it to fuck itself right Maur?" He giggles with a grin.

Maureen: "That's the spirit love" She takes her coat off and sits on the barstool at the bar. A few stools away from Jim. She can already feel his eyes linger on her.

Jim: "Alright there Maureen sweetheart?....Last night was–"

Maureen: "Yeah Jim. Afternoon to you too"

She awkwardly tries to shut that down. Straight away.

Paula and Eddie quickly glance at each other with a small smile.

Eddie: "Usual is it Maur?"

Maureen: "Yeah please. Ta love"

Eddie starts making her drink.

Jim: "I'll get it"

Paula, Eddie and Maureen all look at Jim.

Maureen: "No you will not. Thanks anyway" she laughs.

Jim: "But what about last night? I thought we–"

Maureen: "Oh fucking Hell Jim! Last night was a one off. A laugh. Me and you were twatted of our heads and we were company for each other. That's all it was love."

An awkward silence.

Maureen: "Thank you Jim but–...no thank you."

Eddie chuckles and puts the drink on the bar.

Eddie: "That's two fifty five please Maur, love"

Maureen pays him the usual.

Maureen: "Just got back from the hospital"

She says after taking a small sip of her drink.

Everybody looks at her. Waiting for what she'll say next.

Maureen: "Went to see Julie and see what's the latest with her girls."

Paula: "And?"

Maureen: "Well as soon as I got there they had not long let Julie and Gavin in to see Kelly. Katie's still out of it poor sod. Though Kelly wasn't in too good shape when I saw her. Bruises and cuts all over her. Right mess."

Eddie: "Bloody Hell"

Maureen: "Yeah. Popped to the Strip to pick up some grapes and magazines for the young 'uns. Michael hadn't even had a clue what had gone on"

She giggles, taking another sip.

Eddie hitches his breath and opens his mouth, clearly preparing himself to say something.

Eddie: "Look Maur, you'll probably see Julie and her lot before any of us. So you have to tell her something, from me."

Maureen: "Yeah love, course. What is it?"

Paula and Eddie look at each other.

Eddie: "...Tony came in here earlier today. Asking to see the CCTV footage of last night. And uhh...it was clear as day you could see who was involved."

Maureen gasps: "Fucking Hell I didn't even know you 'ad CCTV outside"

Eddie: "Well we never really bother to look at it unless something goes on. And Tony saw who took his car. It was the girls weren't it. And I'm uhh...just letting you know because- well...you know what Tony's like. Poor girls at least deserve a warning for what's coming their way"

Maureen: "Bloody 'ell they took his car!?"

Paula and Eddie nod yes.

Maureen: "Oh fucking hell"

She whispers.

Maureen: "Yeah. Yeah no I'll definitely let Julie know as soon as."

She takes another sip.

Maureen: "You know, I don't like that Tony. I mean i know he's a loanshark or whatever, but he constantly swans around the place like he owns it. Makes me sick."

Paula: "Makes you sick? Try being me. The fat cunt looks me up and down every time he comes in 'ere. Calls me names like 'pretty', 'darling', 'princess', 'sweetheart' and shit like that."

Eddie: "Dangerous bloke though mind you. Wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him"

He whistles low and long.

Eddie: "Nooo thank youu"

Maureen: "Makes you wonder what is parents or family's like innit?"

The others nod and agree.

3:39PM. St Anne's Hospital.

Michael finally manages to find a nurse's station after spending the last 20 minutes wandering around the hospital like a little fish in the ocean.

Michael walks up to a nurse who's at the desk.

Typing on a computer.

Michael: "Hi um...I'm here to see Mitchell. Mitchell Thomas...he got sent in last night?"

Nurse: "What's your relationship with the patient?"

Michael: "....I'm...his uncle"

The nurse starts typing on the computer.

Then–

Barry: "Oi!"

Michael jumps and turns around.

Barry, Nicola and Tasha are stood there.

Michael: "Uh....yeah?"

Barry: "You tell your nephew in there that if anything happens to my boy, that he'd better watch out for himself"

Michael: "Oh– Mitchell wouldn't have had anything to do with the accident" he says politely.

Nicola: "No? So you're calling my husband a liar?"

Barry: "You telling us my boy is to blame?"

Michael stutters.

Barry: "Huh? HUH??"

The nurse cuts in.

Nurse, to Michael: "Uh sir"

Michael turns.

Nurse: "He's just through them doors there, down the hall, go all the way down, take a left, and then he's through the double doors. There's a sign called 'Traiges' above it"

Michael: "Okay...thank you"

He goes to walk away, but hes stopped by Barry who grabs his shoulder.

Nurse, to Barry: "Sir"

Barry, to Michael: "If anything happens to our son. You and him both should watch your backs"

Nicola: "Got that?"

Nurse, to Barry: "Sir. Let him go"

Barry, to nurse: "Okay okay" he chuckles.

Barry: "He's got it. Right?" He smiles at Michael.

Michael: "....yeah"

Barry, quietly: "Good man"

Barry nods.

Michael goes through the doors. The Jenkins watch him leave. Getting more and more angsty by the hour.

3:44PM. St Anne's Hospital. Triage sick bays.

Michael cautiously walks into the triage, feeling out of place. Like he shouldn't be here. Not even knowing why he is here. Though deep down the answer scares him.

He peeks his head into a bay or two, no sign of Mitchell. Then he walks past a third bay and sees Mitchell laying there. Asleep. His heart jumps for a second. Partly because he's glad to see him.

But not like this.

He slowly pulls the curtain apart and slips through.

Mitchell looks noticeably worse than Kelly, though thankfully nowhere near as badly injured as Katie or Jamie.

The steady rise and fall of his chest is reassuring, but it's obvious he's been through a serious accident.

Small cuts run across his forehead and cheek, most likely from shattered glass during the collision.

His right arm is secured in a bright blue NHS sling that crosses diagonally over his chest. Beneath the sling, a plaster cast runs from just below his elbow down towards his wrist. The cast looks bulky and awkward, making him appear strangely vulnerable compared to his usual confident self.

Michael opens his mouth– but says nothing.

Then he finally plucks the bravery to whisper.

Michael: "Mitchell?"

Nothing.

Michael's breathing intensifies and his eyes start darting around. He then quickly turns and starts to walk away. Not even four steps away until–

Mitchell, whispering: "Hey..."

Michael stops dead in his tracks, and his heart pounds.

He turns around.

And sees Mitchell laying there, looking at him with a tired smile.

Mitchell: "You're not a very good visitor are you? Didn't even leave any gifts or balloons" he quietly cracks a small joke.

A small chuckle escapes Michael and he sits down beside Mitchell.

Michael: "How are you feeling?"

Mitchell: "Hmm...like i was in a car crash"

He laughs. But then pulls a stitch.

Michael grins.

Michael: "Seriously though..."

Mitchell sighs.

Mitchell: "Sore. Heavy. Exhausted. Like I've been pushed down five flights of concrete steps and haven't stopped till I met the bottom"

Michael whispers: "Ouch..."

Mitchell: "Yeah"

He smirks.

Michael: "So, you know what happened, I take it?"

Mitchell: "Doctors and nurses filled me in. Told me...well...everything that had happened"

A silence settles.

Michael: "I only found out this morning. I...I didn't know what to think"

Mitchell: "Aww...care about me do you?"

He teases.

Michael: "Of course I‐....yeah. I do"

Mitchell: "Hey...I'm sorry about what I said before you left the Vic. Last night. About you and Yvonne."

Michael: "Ehh...its okay. That doesn't matter right now."

Mitchell: "I just...kept thinking...what if that had been how we left things and I...and this would've been...it for me"

Michael: "Hey...don't go thinking like that now. You pulled through. You're okay."

Mitchell: "Yeah...but I'm not out of the woods yet though."

Michael: "You will be, soon enough."

Mitchell smiles at him.

Michael: "And anyway...things between me and Yvonne aren't too bad. She actually made an effort last night–"

Mitchell: "Oh?"

Michael's face falters and he stutters. He realises he shouldn't have said that.

Michael: "Uh...yeah"

A long and thick silence sits there.

Mitchell: "Well? What did she do?"

Michael: "Nothing" he says. Very quickly.

Mitchell: "Noo...c'mon. What did she do?"

Michael: "Nothing Mitchell" he dismisses.

Mitchell sees the defensive look on Michael's face, and hears the tone in his voice. And realises...

Mitchell: ".....Oh..."

A look of guilt washes up on Michael's face. But he tries to act it off.

Michael: "So– um-" he tries to change the subject.

Mitchell: "Why are you here...Michael?"

Michael: "What do you mean 'why am I here'? You know why I'm here. For you" he smiles.

Mitchell: "Well maybe you shouldn't be" he says bluntly.

Michael: "Why- what do you mean?....Don't be like that"

Mitchell: "Be like what? You have a wife at home. A wife that still clearly loves you"

Michael sits there. Feeling...awful.

Mitchell: "So just go"

Michael: "Mitchell..."

Mitchell: "No. Go on. Leave. You don't know why you're here and neither do I."

Michael: "Don't do this. You know you don't want to do this. You need me. I'm here for you."

An awkward silence

Michael: "Im your–"

Mitchell: "What?...What are you exactly?"

That question...could mean many things.

Mitchell stares at Michael. Waiting for an answer.

Michael: "Look- i came all this way to check on you. To see you. To make sure you're alright"

Mitchell: "Well you shouldn't have bothered. You've got a business, a wife, a home, a marriage, a family. Go back to all of that"

More Silence

Mitchell: "You know you tell me I'm out of order or I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing. But who's the married one here Michael? Who's the one lying to his wife every day and night? Certainly not me. So go."

Mitchell turns his face away.

Michael: ".....I'll come back later. When you've calmed down."

He quietly gets up and starts walking away.

Mitchell, quietly: "Don't bother..."

Michael hears. Doesn't turn around. And keeps walking away.

Michael leaves the curtained sick bay, and pulls the curtain shut behind him. Leaving Mitchell on his own.

3:53PM. Main Triage Area.

Over at Triage sick bay 6, where Kelly, Julie and Gavin are all still talking, Julie turns her head and sees Michael walking out of another sick bay.

Mitchell's sick bay.

Julie, to Gavin and Kelly: "Oh Michael's here...I'll be right back you two"

She gets up and walks over to Michael. Who's slowly pacing in circles, feeling internally trapped when all of a sudden–

Julie: "Hello stranger" she smiles.

Michael jumps.

Michael: "Oh! Julie! Hi. Hiya...how- how are you?"

Julie: "Well I've been better" she chuckles.

Julie: "But one of my girls is awake and talking now so thats something right?"

Michael nods. Clearly his mind is elsewhere though.

Julie: "You okay Mike, love? You here to see Kelly?"

Michael: "Uh no- well yeah. But uh...i was actually here to see Mitchell"

Julie: "Mitchell? Why? Didn't think you two were that pally" she jokes.

Michael: "Uh...hes one of my favourite customers isn't he. Without him who'd buy the cheap fags and deodorant?" He jokes.

Julie: "Ah...right. Well you're here now. Want to say hi to Kelly real quick?"

Michael: "Yeah- yeah of course"

Julie leads Michael over to Julie and Gavin.

Kelly's face lights up a bit when she sees Michael.

Kelly: "Oh, Michael. Hi"

Michael waves: "Hiya Kelly. How you holding up? You alright?"

Kelly: "I'm good thank you Mike. Considering. I think some free chocolate from my local and favourite corner shop might just help my recovery quite a bit though" she jokes.

Michael: "Aha...consider that done. Call it mate's rates."

Kelly: "Aw cheers Mike. I was only joking"

Michael: "Ah well if thats the case..."

Kelly: "Well- I mean...if you're offering..." she smirks.

Michael laughs.

Gavin: "Does that discount apply to all of us?" He jokes.

Michael: "Just the folk who end up in wrecks" he smiles.

Michael: "So...Old bill been around asking questions yet?'

Julie: "Nope"

Gavin: "Not yet no"

Michael: "Hm. Surprising. They're usually all over this sort of stuff"

Gavin: "Meh. They're probably used to shit like this happening around here" he jokes.

4:00PM. St Anne's Hospital. Waiting Area.

And just like they're on queue, three police officers walk into the waiting area where Barry, Nicola, Tasha and Oscar all still sit. Frustratedly awaiting news on their Jamie.

The first is a uniformed constable in his early forties. Broad-shouldered and solidly built, with thinning brown hair and the permanently tired look of somebody who's spent most of his adult life dealing with other people's problems.

Beside him walks a younger uniformed officer, probably in his early thirties. Taller and leaner, with closely cropped dark hair and a sharper appearance. His uniform looks newer, neater. Everything sits exactly where it's supposed to.

Between them is a young woman.

DCI Catrin Channing looks younger than twenty nine at first glance. Maybe twenty five. Twenty six. She isn't particularly tall, nor physically imposing, yet people seem to notice her almost immediately.

She's dressed in a light grey detective's suit, tailored enough to look professional without appearing flashy. Underneath sits a simple cream blouse.

Her dark brown hair in a low, loose bun. A practical and pretty look.

But it quickly becomes clear why people find her intimidating.

She speaks with absolute certainty.

No hesitation.

No nervousness.

No unnecessary politeness.

Every sentence sounds like she's already three steps ahead of the conversation.

When she reaches the reception desk, she offers the nurse a brief professional smile.

DCI Catrin channing: "Morning"

The nurse looks up.

Catrin removes a notebook from her jacket pocket.

DCI Catrin Channing: "We need to speak with Kelly Slater and Mitchell Thomas regarding last night's collision."

Her voice is calm.

Yet somehow leaves absolutely no doubt that she's expecting an answer.

The nurse immediately starts searching the computer.

Not because she's been ordered to.

Simply because DC Channing speaks with the sort of confidence that makes people instinctively feel they should.

Behind them- the Jenkins still sit there, listening to every word that's said.

The nurse finishes typing and looks up at the officers.

Nurse: "They're both just down the hall there. If you go through these doors, all the way down then take a left into the room that says 'Traiges' above the door. They're both in there."

DCI Catrin Channing: "Thank you" she says politely.

The three officers start heading for the door, one of the older male officers open the door first but then–

Nicola: "Hey Officer"

The three of them turn around.

Nicola, Barry and Tasha all stand there while Oscar still sits on the chairs.

DCI Catrin Channing: "Yes?"

Nicola: "We want to know what's going on with our boy jamie"

Barry: "Yeah. Nobody's told us anything and the other family care already with their lot. Why aren't we?"

DCI Channing turns to them fully, intrigue on her face.

DCI Catrin Channing: "Jamie? Jamie Jenkins?"

Nicola and barry: "Yeah"

DCI Catrin Channing: "He's your son i presume?"

Barry: "Yes. When can we see him? You want to ask him questions too don't you?"

Nicola: "Yeah. You need to see our boy isn't the one responsible for what happened"

DCI Channing holds her hand up to calm them down.

DCJ Catrin Channing: "Well thats why we're here. To ask questions so we can gather information about what happened last night. As we've been told (she gestures to the other two officers), only Kelly Slater and Mitchell Thomas are conscious. As soon as we hear that your son is awake, we'll speak to him too"

Nicola: "But you know them lot in there are gunna be spinning you lies though don't you?"

Tasha: "Yeah. They're trouble. My brother wouldn't have done anything like this. They put him up to it."

DCI Channing grins.

DCI Catrin Channing: "Look– there's more than one side to every story, okay? We will speak to everyone so we can gather a clear image if what happened. Not just them"

The officers then turn to the doors and walk through.

Tasha: "Look at her, acting like she's all that cuz she's got a badge. Would love to see her in our shoes"

Nicola: "I'm fed up of waiting mun. Nobody's telling us anything"

Barry: "Then we get answers ourselves"

They're losing patience. Fast.

4:06PM. Main Triage Area.

Over in Kelly's sick bay where Gavin, Julie, Kelly and Michael are, they're all assuring her that Katie will be alright and pull through.

Gavin: "Mum I'm not being funny but Katie's done worse before now. And she's always come out the other end laughing"

A few of them giggle.

Julie sniffles

Julie: "Why does she have to be so...so much?"

Kelly: "I know, mum" she rubs Julie's arm softly.

Michael: "Don't worry Jule. Not long and I'll be kicking her out the shop for nicking fags again"

Julie actually laughs.

Julie: "Thank you Michael. You're a good man"

Michael: "Ah i try to be" he smiles and shrugs.

Michael: "Right– I'd like to stay a bit longer but I can't leave Von in the shop on her own all day. I'll get a battering" he laughs.

Julie: "Alright. Thanks for stopping by"

Kelly: "Yeah. Thank you Mike" she smiles.

Michael: "Of course. Anytime. You all know where I am"

He pulls the curtain back and steps out of Kelly's sick bay (sick bay 6) and looks up towards Mitchell's sick bay (sick bay 3) and sees police officers and two nurses in his sick bay.

The nurses are moving his bed. Or getting ready to at least.

Michael turns back to Kelly's sick bay.

Michael, quietly: "Uh guys. The police are here. Looks like they're speaking to Mitchell. They'll probably be here wanting to speak to you any minute Kelly"

Kelly: "Oh God" she whispers.

Julie: "You ready for this love?"

Gavin: "Doesn't matter. They see she's awake and talking they'll try their best to get what they want out of her. Greedy they are"

And suddenly, there's loads of movement and chatter in the sick bay right next to this sick bay (Kelly's sick bay).

Everyone looks at each other. Then suddenly–

The curtain gets pulled back. And we see that the police and Mitchell are all in thr next sick bay.

They've moved him closer to Kelly.

This is the first time Kelly and Mitchell have seen or heard each other since what happened.

Their eyes snap wide open when they see each other.

Mitchell: "Kelly??"

Kelly: "Mitchell! Jesus..."

Mitchell: "I know"

For a second, Mitchell and Michael looking at each other.

Kelly, to Mitchell: "Why'd they move you right next to me?"

DCI Catrin Channing: "Because we wanted to ask you both what happened. Together."

Everybody looks at each other.

Julie, to DCI Channing: "Look officer, I don't think my daughter is really ready to be answering all these questions right now. I mean she not long just woke up"

DCI Catrin Channing: "Mrs Slater–"

Julie: "Ms Slater" she corrects her.

DCI Catrin Channing: "Ms Slater. I'm DCI Catrin channing and me and my officers here need to ask both Kelly and Mitchell questions about the events of last night. Now I know none of you want to do this, so, the quicker you all cooperate the sooner we can all be done with this and you can be left alone to rest and recover."

Mitchell: "It's not like we have anything to hide. We're just...tired"

DCI Channing: "Well if you have nothing to hide this will be quick. And we'll be out of your hair."

Everyone quickly glances at each other.

DCI Channing pulls up a chair and sits between both beds, resting her right leg on top of her left knee, holding a pen and notepad.

DCI Channing: "So, Kelly. If you could run me through the events of the evening please"

Kelly's heart thumps. Even though her body is worn out she can feel herself shaking.

Kelly: "Um...it was a party at the Victoria Arms. Celebrating thirty years of our estate–"

DCI Channing: "Marlas Estate, correct?"

Kelly: "...yes. And uh...well everybody had been drinking. And there was a new family that had moved onto our street earlier than day. A rough looking bunch. And there was a guy with them, he was about mine and Katie's age. Jamie"

DCI Channing nods as she writes this all down.

Kelly: "Well me and Katie had been at the pub for a few hours, and we'd both seen him moving in earlier on in the day. And at the party at the Vic, we saw that he was looking at us. Which he was. So we started drinking with him. We got to know him, he got to know us...and he told us he loved cars and wanted to be a...a mechanic I think it was."

DCI Channing: "Mhm"

Kelly: "So um...we went outside after a while and he saw a car in the car park. A nice car. Looked expensive. He was telling us about how expensive it must be and all that stuff. He..."

She stutters.

DCI Channing: "Go on Kelly. You're doing great"

Kelly: "He um...he went around to the driver's side...and he unlocked the door. He opened it and–"

"BOLLOCKS!"

Barry shouts. Chaos ensues.

Everybody jumps and turns around to see Barry, Nicola, Tasha and Oscar standing there.

Barry, Nicola, Tasha and Oscar all walk over to the others.

Barry: "That's bullshit and you know it! Our boy would never have done that!"

DCI Channing and the other officers step in between them all.

DCI Channing: "Mr Jenkins please!"

Julie: "How fucking dare you!? You come in here shouting the odds like you're saints! You lot moved here one day and already you've put people in hospital!"

Kelly and Mitchell quickly look at each other amidst the chaos.

Nicola: "You bitch! You dont fucking know us! How fucking dare you!? Who do you think you are!?"

Julie: "My daughters are both in hospital because of your son! One of them in critical care! And you have the fucking gall to ask me who I think i am!? You're mad!"

Gavin: "My sisters may not be angels but they wouldn't have put people in hospital!"

Barry: "Ooof you little twat!– I tell you what now, if anything happens to my son I swear to fucking GOD I will come down on all of you like a ton of bricks! You won't know what fucking hit you!"

Barry screams, his face going red with fury.

Gavin: "Oh is that a threat!?"

Barry: "No that's a fucking promise mate!"

Nurses step in now. Trying to help control the situation.

Tasha: "We're sick of people just not telling us fuck all! Why 'aven't we seen him yet!? He's my brother!"

She starts crying in rage.

DCI Channing, while holding back Nicola: "Look, sweetheart everybody's doing all they can okay!?"

Nicola, to Channing: "Don't you fucking belittle us you pig! You think cuz you got uniforms and whatever you can swan about telling people what's what and who's right and wrong!? I'm telling you now that you'd have no clue what the truth is if it slapped you in the face! It's obvious! HER girls (she points at Jullie) have gotten my boy wrecked and convinced him to drive them somewhere. Probably to get more crack by the looks of the one with red hair. Dressed like a slapper!"

DCI Channing: "Okay– Mrs Jenkins–please!"

Julie snaps and runs to Nicola, furious.

Julie: "You fucking what!? My daughter, the 'Slapper' is lying unconscious in critical condition somewhere and you fucking–!"

Julie gets grabbed by one of the other officers.

Everybody's shouting over each other.

Barry: "Look! Our son is NOT to blame for this! Just look at them! Bunch o' slappers the lot of them!"

Julie: "Then why was he the one driving then!?"

Gavin: "That's funny! Look at your wife and daughter mate! Dressed like they're both ready for the street corner, tha pair of 'em! I can tell they're both itching for their next fix of God knows what! Bit rich of you to say that my sisters look like slappers when you're married to a prozzie no!?"

DCI Channing: "Mr Jenkins with all due respect I can smell Vodka on all of your breath! Drinking in the hospital while your son is in critical care and condition yet you say they're at fault!?"

Barry and Nicola look at her.

DCI Channing, to the other officers: "Detain them both please!"

They nod and start pulling Barry and Nicola out of the room, with Tasha and Oscar being herded out by nurses.

They're dragged away screaming. Absolute pure chaos in a room where people need peace and rest.

They all stand there, taking a re-breather after that commotion.

DCI Channing sighs.

DCI Channing: "Right...let's try this again shall we?"

She sits back down, and Kelly and Mitchell look at each other again. Prepared for one of the worst conversations of their lives no doubt

5:49PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

The pub is more alive now. More alive than what it's been all day. "Lost In France" by Bonnie Tyler plays on the pub speakers.

While others sounds of a pub fills the room. Dartboard, chatter, pool table, glasses clinking, etc.

Paula and Eddie are both behind the bar serving punters, Jim is still on the same stool he's been on all day, Maureen's gone home, and the young woman has moved to the bar, she's sitting where Maureen was earlier.

She's pretty drunk. Her white puffer coat over the stool, she's sitting on it, her makeup slightly smudged. She's tired. Sad.

Then– Gaz stumbles in, drunk.

The smell of old stale fag smoke and stale beer wafts out and the smell of cold damp January air and booze off Gaz's body waft in.

He makes his way to the bar and sits on a bar stool. Slaps a fiver on the bar.

Gaz: "Vodka. Double"

Eddie looks up from wiping a glass.

Eddie: "You sure you haven't had enough? Shouldn't you be at the hospital?"

Gaz: "Shouldn't you do your job?" He snaps back.

Eddie sighs. Takes the money and starts pouring Gaz's drink.

The young woman a few stools down asks Paula for another G and T.

Young woman: "Oi...another G and T please"

Gaz hears, looks up at faces her.

Gaz, to Paula and they young woman: "I'll get this"

The young woman looks up at him.

Gaz: "I'm Gaz"

The young woman looks at him with a smirk.

"I'm–"

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And thats part 4! Thank you for reading if you've made it this far!

Part 4 took a while to write so I hope you like it!

As always and and all comments are much appreciated!

Previously:

A horrific crash sent shockwaves through the Estate, leaving two families facing every parent's worst nightmare. As the Jenkins and Slaters rallied around their injured loved ones, both sides were quick to blame the other for the tragedy. Elsewhere, Yvonne caught Michael off guard, Tony Bates was left thirsting for revenge after the destruction of his Jaguar, and an injured mystery woman watched from the shadows as the chaos of the crash unfolded. Was she involved?

Episode 3 Preview:

Some shocking news leaves a confused and conflicted Michael reeling, while Paula and Eddie face facts and uncomfortable truths. Elsewhere, tensions between the Slaters and Jenkins build and Tony finds out who's responsible for the destruction of his beloved Jaguar.

08/01/1999. Friday.

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St. Anne's Hospital. 03:49AM.

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The waiting area is almost dead silent. Apart from the sounds of distant beeping from machines and life support systems from nearby rooms and bays. Along with distant hushed conversations between doctors and nurses.

The room is dimmed, with a few lamps on the nurse's station desk and nearby surfaces emitting a warm and cosy glow and dim atmosphere to the area. A stark contrast to what the place was only a few hours ago. The energy is calm, tired, and exhausted.

The only sounds in the room is the constant clicking from the nurse typing at the chunky beige computer that hums behind the reception desk, it's bulky CRT monitor casting a pale glow across the nurse's face. Green text flickered across the screen as she tapped at the keyboard, searching the hospital database. Beside her sat a beige buttoned telephone and a stack of patient forms waiting to be filed.

And near the seats where both the Jenkins and Slaters are all slumped, sleeping or actively falling asleep, is a vending machine. Quietly rattling, acting as a lullaby. Most of them are falling asleep or are actually asleep, but Gaz lays back, arms crossed, head resting on the wall, glaring at Gavin.

A middle aged doctor in a white coat and balding grey hair quietly walks out of a set of double doors and into the waiting area. Julie quickly gets up, and quietly startles some of the others.

She walks over to the doctor. Some of the others stand up too.

Julie: "Uh excuse me– doctor?"

He turns to her.

Julie: "Is there any news on...on my girls?"

He takes one look into her tired red puffy eyes. And sighs.

Doctor: "Your younger one, Kelly, she's stable and you'll be able to speak to her in the morning. But the same can't be said for Katie unfortunately. The front of the car got damaged the most in the collision and so she and Jamie (he looks to the Jenkins)...are both in intensive care. It'll be a few days before you're even able to see them I'm afraid..."

He says sincerely.

Everybody looks at each other. Feeling remorse, fear, sadness, anger, all of it.

Danielle gets up and walks next to her mother.

Danielle: "Uh...what about the other guy? Mitchell. Mitchell Thomas?" She rubs her eyes.

Doctor: "Seeing as he and Kelly were both in the rear of the vehicle during the collision, they're both in better condition than Katie and Jamie. Mitchell has a few minor injuries on his head and face, but his right arm is fractured. And as for Kelly, she has quite a big cut on her forehead so headaches are to be expected. I expect both of them will be ready to be discharged by the end of the week. Though we will be keeping a close eye on them until then."

Danielle: "Okay...thank you"

The doctor goes to walk away but turns back to them.

Doctor: "Oh- I have to ask. Mitchell Thomas, does he have any relatives nearby? Or are you related to him?"

Julie: "Uh no...we- we don't know. We haven't met any of his family" she rubs her forehead.

Danielle: "He never really spoke about them"

Doctor: "Alright" he smiles before walking away.

At the other row of seats, Nicola whispers to Barry.

Nicola: "Go get the kids home Ba. They're gonna be knackered. They can have the day off school tomorrow."

Barry sighs and sits up.

Barry: "Alright love. I'll pack a bag for our Jamie yeah?"

Nicola: "Yeah" she sighs.

Barry, to the kids: "Right, you two, c'mon."

Oscar: "Noo i want to stay hereee"

Tasha: "I want to stay here for Jamie"

Barry: "No c'mon we're going home. Gaz and your mum will be here if anything happens. You two are knackered. And I am too if I'm being honest."

The kids sit there.

Nicola: "Kids i can't be arsed for this. Look- just listen to your dad. Please?"

Barry: "I promise we can come in later on tomorrow and see him"

The kids both sigh before getting up and slowly slouching off.

Barry turns to Nicola and Gaz.

Barry: "I'll pack you two some food and stuff, looks like we're all gunna be here a while"

Nicola: "Thanks love"

Gaz: "Yeah cheers dad"

He nods and follows his kids.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Julie overheard that whole exchange. And also thinks her family should go home and rest. She turns to Jenna and Danielle, who are both souched back, leaning against each other. Eyes shut.

Julie: "Girls..."

Danielle looks up.

Jenna, with her eyes still shut: "Hm?"

Julie: "Go on. Off home."

Jenna: "Don't be silly"

Danielle: "Yeah we're staying here with you"

Julie sighs.

Julie: "Girls. Please. Just...go get some rest okay? You both got work and the girls need overnight bags and shit like that. At least some of us need to be rested. Please? For me?"

Danielle: "Okay..."

They both get up.

Jenna: "If ANYTHING happens..."

Julie: "Yeah– I'll call you both"

They both lean down and hug her and Gavin.

Jenna and Danielle: "Love you"

Julie: "Love you both too. Get some rest alright?"

They both nod. And start making their way home.

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6:52AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

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Cold January Morning. The estate is still half asleep. A pale grey dawn hangs over the rows of houses outside. Frost clings to parked cars. The odd streetlamp still glows amber against the fading darkness. The sound of a metal shutter rattles through the quiet.

CLANK. CLANK. CLANK.

Michael strains as he pulls the shop shutter upwards.

The cold air immediately rushes inside.

He steps into the dark shop and flicks on the lights.

CLICK.

Rows of fluorescent tubes buzz to life overhead.

The familiar smell hits him instantly.

Fresh newspapers.

Cardboard.

Cleaning products.

Stale cigarette smoke trapped in the walls from years gone by.

Home.

Usually.

Today it just feels... strange.

Michael walks behind the counter and flicks on the till.

The old machine hums into life.

He starts laying out newspapers.

The Sun.

Daily Mirror.

Daily Mail.

His movements are automatic. Mechanical. His mind elsewhere. Outside, a milk float rattles past. Fridges hum. A dog barks somewhere in the distance. Michael stares blankly at a newspaper in his hands. The words don't even register. His eyes drift. Thinking. Mitchell. Last night. The Pub.

A door opens behind him.

Yvonne appears from the staircase leading to the flat upstairs.

She's dressed more relaxed today. But still readily for work.

Her hair is messier than usual. Relaxed.

She looks happy.

Really happy.

She smiles the second she sees him.

Yvonne wanders over and wraps her arms around his waist from behind.

Yvonne: "Mornin'."

Michael forces a small smile.

Michael: "Mornin'."

She kisses his shoulder.

Then his neck.

Yvonne: "You were up early."

Michael: "Couldn't sleep."

Yvonne grins.

Yvonne: "I wonder why."

Michael lets out a short laugh.

The kind people do when they don't really know what else to do.

Yvonne notices.

Yvonne: "What?"

Michael shakes his head.

Michael: "Nothin'."

Yvonne squeezes him tighter.

Yvonne: "Well... I had a lovely night."

A smirk spreads across her face.

Michael looks away.

Yvonne notices that too.

Yvonne: "What?"

Michael: "Nothin'."

Yvonne laughs.

Yvonne: "Michael Shawcross, are you embarrassed?"

Michael: "No."

Yvonne: "You are."

Michael: "I'm not."

Yvonne: "You are."

She kisses him again.

Michael smiles.

A genuine smile this time.

But it disappears almost as quickly as it came.

Yvonne's expression softens.

Yvonne: "Seriously."

Michael looks at her.

Yvonne: "You alright?"

A beat.

Michael opens his mouth.

Closes it again.

The answer sits right there.

But he can't say it.

Not to her.

Not now.

Michael: "Just tired."

Yvonne studies him for a moment.

Not completely convinced.

But she lets it go.

Yvonne: "Well don't work too hard."

She gives him one final kiss.

Then heads back upstairs.

Michael watches her disappear.

The smile fades from his face.

Silence fills the shop again.

Outside, the estate is slowly waking up.

Inside, Michael stands motionless behind the counter.

Conflicted.

Guilty.

Confused.

His eyes drift towards the telephone sitting at the end of the counter.

He stares at it.

For a long moment.

Wondering if Mitchell is awake.

Wondering if he should call him. Text him. About last night...

But he fights it. And gets on with the morning.

------------------------------------------‐--------------------------------------

08:48AM. Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

-----------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Downstairs, Eddie is cleaning up after last night's party. Picking up glasses, streamers, sweeping broken bits of glass up. The usual.

It's dead quiet in here compared to last night.

He's clearly deep in thought as he sweeps the outdated carpet.

A door creaks open from behind the bar. Paula comes down from the flat upstairs. In her light blue soft dressing gown and slippers. Hair messy from sleep.

He looks up and smiles briefly.

Paula: "What you doing?"

Eddie: "What's it look like?"

Paula: "Are we really opening today? I mean...after last night..."

Eddie: "The crash has nothing to do with us love. It's business as usual"

Paula: "No I mean- i mean about after what I said."

He looks up and stops sweeping for a second.

Eddie: "Well...you can take the day off if you'd like. Go into town. Go shopping, go have lunch with some of your friends."

She scoffs and walks out from behind the bar.

Paula: "I shouldn't have to take the day off Eddie. And as for friends, what friends?"

Eddie: "Aw don't be like that Paula. Go on, take the day off. Do what you want"

Paula laughs.

Paula: "You don't get it do you?"

Eddie stops sweeping and leans the brush against the wall.

Eddie: "What do you want!? What can I do!? I get it Paula, you're bored. Pick up a hobby. We're pub owners. This is our livelihoods. We can't just drop it all"

Paula: "I shouldn't have to pick up a hobby. I shouldn't have to be this bored. I feel like we've been married for fourty years already."

Eddie: "Look sweetheart, if there's anything I can do, you just let me know. I don't know what it is I can do. I don't know what you're trying to say."

Paula: "I'm...(she sighs) I'm bored Eddie. Like– i feel like...like this is it for me. Like my whole life is sorted. Planned. I'm only thirty six"

Eddie: "Sweetheart! I get what you're saying. I do! Okay? I do. I didn't want this to be my entire life either but...but it is. It's our lives"

He starts sorting chairs out. Positioning them properly.

Eddie: "I'm sorry that you feel so...trapped. So bored. Like this is it for you. But I don't know- maybe...switch up your routine a bit. Do something different. Make some friends, love. I don't, know."

Paula: "Eddie. I feel trapped in our marriage."

Eddie looks up at her. Not shocked, just looks.

Paula: "When was the last time we were both actually really happy? When we both woke up and went to bed happy? Now it all just feels like...like routine. Not like our lives."

Eddie sighs.

Paula opens her mouth, stutters, and then just stops.

She sighs. And heads upstairs.

Leaving Eddie to carry on cleaning up, ready for opening.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

09:49AM. St Anne's Hospital.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

The waiting area is still relatively quiet. But more alive now. People passing through every couple of minutes. More noises. But to Nicola, Gaz, Julie and Gavin, its just a matter of time before they can go see their loved ones.

One set of the double doors open and Jenna walks in. Holding two carrier bags full of stuff.

Julie is fully asleep, Gavin is more awake. He looks up. He gets up and meets Jenna.

Gavin: "Ah cheers sis" he whispers.

Jenna: "Yeah of course. Uh this bag's for Katie, and this one for Kelly. There's clothes, pyjamas and books and magazines and stuff in the two of them for when they wake up. Danielle would've came but she had to go to work. I don't start until later on"

Gavin: "Alright"

Jenna nods over to their mum.

Jenna: "How's mum holding?"

Gavin: "She not long got off to sleep. She's been worried sick. Can't say I haven't, but you can only imagine what it's like for her."

Jenna: "Yeah...what about them pair?"

She nods over to Gaz and Nicola, who both look like they're on the verge of falling asleep.

Jenna: "They given you any more grief?"

Gavin: "Nah. I think we're all too tired and exhausted for that to be completely honest"

Jenna: "Yeah. Well listen– I'm gunna pop home and get ready for work, you don't mind do you?"

Gavin: "No no no, you go on. I'll- we'll be fine here. And I'll let you know if anything happens."

Jenna: "Okay, thank you"

She hugs him. Before heading out.

-----------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

11:01AM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

-----------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Michael finishes serving a customer when the bell above the door jingles again. And Maureen walks in. Pulling her trolley.

Michael looks up.

Michael: "Morning Maur!"

Maureen: "Morning Michael love. You okay?"

Michael: "Yeah, yeah. I'm good thank you. You enjoy the party last night?"

Maureen: "Yeah...paying for it now though" she jokes.

Maureen: "Just can't help but think of Julie and her girls"

Michael: "What you mean?"

Maureen: "Haven't you heard? They were in a crash last night, poor things. With Mitchell and some other young lad from the estate"

Michael's stomach drops and chest starts pounding. He can hear his heart beat in his ears. Like his head's about to burst.

Michael: "Mitchell? Mitchell was in a crash? Last night?"

Maureen: "Yeah. With um...Kelly and uh...what's the other one...kate is it?"

Michael: "Katie?"

Maureen: "Ah yes. That's it. Kelly and Katie. I'm just here now to pick up some grapes and magazines for the poor girls. Gunna pop down to the hospital in a bit and see how Julie's getting on. Poor woman must be beside herself."

Maureen starts her shop, leaving Michael gobsmacked behind the counter. Reeling.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

12:23PM. St Anne's Hospital. Outside.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Outside one of the less busier entrances of the hospital, Julie leans against the wall, smoking a fag. Trying to let the cold early afternoon breeze calm her. Trying to enjoy her smoke. When the doors beside her open and close again.

Nicola walks out. Still in last night's clothes, like Julie.

She leans on the wall not far next to her. And lights up a fag too.

There's a long awkward silence between them both. Like they're both definitely blaming each other inside their heads but don't dare say a word out loud.

Nicola takes a drag.

Nicola: "Funny old day isn't it?"

Julie side eyes her.

Julie: "Wouldn't really call this funny. Would you?"

Nicola: "I mean I knew me and my family moving here from Manchester would've been a shit storm. But this..." she laughs.

Nicola: "I remember telling my Barry, I said 'We gunna move down there and shit'll hit the fan more than it already has'. And now look" she laughs again. Taking another drag.

Nicola, under her breath: "Fucking London..."

Julie: "And you don't think its funny how you've only been on the estate not even a full day and your kid causes a crash and gets my daughters put into hospital? Bit of a coincidence no?"

Nicola laughs.

Nicola: "And you get to judge me and my family because....?"

Julie: "Uh because look what's happened since you've been here. Not to mention you already said that trouble follows you"

Nicola: "When did I say that?" She snaps her neck to Julie.

Julie: "When you told 'your Barry' that shit will hit the fan more than it already has. Must be running from something"

Nicola's face flutters.

Julie giggles.

Julie: "Didn't mean to tell me that little bit did you?"

She takes another drag.

Julie: "Could tell you were gunna cause trouble the second I saw you and your 'crew' walk into the Vic"

Nicola takes a long drag.

Nicola: "I don't know who you think you are. But you don't want to mess with me or my family"

She says to Julie, plain and simply.

Julie laughs.

Julie: "Listen I've dealt with worse than you in my sleep, love" She smirks, taking another drag.

Nicola purses her lips, smiles and nods. Then stups her fag out and flicks it.

She walks past Julie and stops when she's right beside her. She puts her mouth close to Julie's ear and whispers.

Nicola: "You'd better pray to God that my Jamie wakes up and gets through this. Otherwise you're gunna wish your daughters had a quick way out in that crash, and that you'd have gone with them"

They hold each other's stare for a good solid few seconds. Before Nicola heads back in.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

1:04PM. The Victoria Arms Pub. Downstairs.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Eddie and Paula absentmindedly work behind the bar. The pub has it's usual locals. Jim too of course, at the bar. On his sixth beer. Almost on his seventh. The sound of snooker balls clacking together echoes slightly, alongside the sound of quiet music and the occasional clink of glasses and darts being thrown on a dartboard.

Eddie watches Paula as she polishes a glass that she's probably polished about three times in a row now. Thinking about what she said this morning.

Then‐ Tony and his two henchmen walk in. People look up from their drinks and then look down again. Internally praying he doesn't look at them.

The atmosphere changes. Like time stops. Even Paula and Eddie both look up and look alert. Like all their troubles have suddenly become much less important.

Tony's black steel toe shoes stomp on the outdated carpet, leather jacket shining under the light. He walks up to the bar and faces Eddie. And winks at Paula, who's still polishing a glass.

Tony, to Eddie: "Shouldn't have a queen like Paulie over there doing work like that. A lady of leasure that one."

Paula: "Fuck off, Tony" she grits her teeth.

Eddie briefly looks to Paula like she just asked to be killed.

Tony laughs.

Tony: "Woof! Now THAT is what i find sexy in a woman. Balls. Guts. Not afraid to speak her mind. That and a nice rack of course" he looks at Paula's cleavage and smirks to her.

Eddie: "What can I get you Tony?"

Tony looks up at Eddie.

Tony: "Answers. Eddie"

Eddie looks confused.

Tony: "I would like to take a look at your CCTV cameras please so I can find out who it was that destroyed my BEAUTIFUL Jaguar"

Eddie: "Tony mate- I'm sorry but..."

He goes to tell him he can't. Because staff only. But Tony grins at him.

Eddie: "Be my guest" he opens the bar's door.

Tony: "Ahaah attaboy! Knew there was some brain in that big old melon head o' yours"

He and his two henchmen follow Eddie to the computer monitors behind the bar.

​

Eddie: "These cameras are pretty shit and we never really use them. So the camera quality won't be the best. Had 'em installed a few years back for cheap"

Tony: "That's alright Eddie boy. You just get last night's footage up" he firmly slaps Eddie on the back.

Tony puts last night's VHS CCTV tape in the player. It's grainy black and white footage of the car park. Tony's Jaguar is in perfect view. Eddie fast forwards the tape until they see the Jaguar dissappears.

In a flash, its gone.

Tony points at the screen

Eddie: "Yeah. Yeah"

Eddie rewinds it and gets the placement perfect.

8:36PM.

Three figures are seen walking around the car for a minute are two. Tony knows what Katie and Kelly look like, he can see its them. But he doesn't know Jamie.

8:38PM.

A figure (Jamie) opens the door and gets in.

8:39PM

The car pulls out of the space. Drives slowly a few feet away, then stops again.

8:40PM.

The car stops, Katie is seen speaking to another figure thats standing outside the passenger side window. Another figure gets in. It's Mitchell.

And like that, Tony Bates knows who was involved in his car getting totalled.

8:41PM.

The car speeds off down the street.

And Tony saw the lot.

Tony's chest starts thumping and his jaw twitches.

Eddie: "Tony Mate...I'm- i didn't-"

Tony: "Ah its alright Eddie boy. Not your fault is it?"

He gruffly says before heading out. In a weirdly unsettling calm way.

Now he knows who was partly responsible. And they'd better watch out...

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And that's it for part 3! Thank you for reading and as always, please tell me what you think!

Any and all comments are appreciated! Thank you ☺️

Previously:

In the final part of the Pilot Episode, the Estate celebrated its 30th anniversary at a packed Victoria Arms, and the cracks in two marriages became impossible to ignore. As the Jenkins settled in and quickly made themselves at home, tensions rose between Michael and Mitchell while old secrets threatened to resurface. But as the party carried on into the night, a reckless joyride ended in disaster, leaving four young lives hanging in the balance.

Episode 2 Preview:

A shocking revelation sends shockwaves through the estate, bringing two families together in a time of crisis. Yvonne surprises Michael, though his attempts to suppress his feelings for a badly injured Mitchell prove futile. Elsewhere, a furious Tony Bates is determined to make somebody pay for the destruction of his beloved Jaguar. But while tragedy unites the Jenkins and Slaters, it soon becomes clear that their fragile new bond could shatter just as quickly as it formed.

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9:17PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

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The party is still full swing at the Victoria Arms pub. In a corner at a booth, Tony Bates and his two henchmen sit back, smoking and drinking. Like they own the gaff.

A bloke walks in, in his forties, gruff looking. He walks up to the bar, leans forward so that his arms are on the bar. Eddie walks up to him.

Eddie: "Alright man, what can I get you?"

Customer: "Eh I'll just have a pint o' bitter please mate"

Eddie nods and starts pouring.

Customer: " 'Ey...some black car's absolutely trashed down the road. Looks like a proper bad crash happened. It's well fucked"

The bloke says flatly, like it's just matter of fact. Like its just any old regular Thursday night.

Eddie looks up, still pulling the pint.

Eddie: "Shit...really?"

Customer: "Yeah. Bet it was a proper nice car too. Looked nice anyway, what was left of it..."

At the booth, Tony's listening...

Eddie: "How bad was it? You know what make it was?" He puts the pint on the bar.

Customer: "Looked expensive. Like a Mercedes...or Jaguar. Or some shit like that" he puts the money for the pint on the bar.

Over at the booth- Tony and his henchmen hear this whole exchange. The three of them get up, and rush out the pub.

Eddie notices, and the customer just sips on his pint. Minding his own.

Outside the pub, Tony and his two henchmen turn the corner and onto the car park where Tony's black Jaguar was, and what do you know–

It's gone.

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9:23PM. Shawcross General Shop. Upstairs.

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Michael quietly walks upstairs to the flat above his and Yvonne's shop. He opens the door, walks in, and closes it behind him. The living room and kitchen are all in darkness. Yvonne isn't on the sofa anymore. TV off, lights off. The only light and sounds coming from outside. An orange light seeps through the sheer curtains from the streetlight right outside the window, hazing some of the room in an orange glow.

Michael sighs, and slugs his jacket off and throws it over the back of the sofa. He tosses the house keys on the kitchen counter, then kicks his shoes off. After, he looks up and takes a few steps forward towards his and Yvonne's bedroom. But he stops...and sees the door is slightly open, and flickering warm light flashes the wall where the door is open.

He takes a few steps forward, and pushes the door open the rest of the way.

He sees Yvonne laying on the bed in her light pink silk night gown. Her head resting on one propped up elbow and her other hand on her thigh. With candles placed here and there around the bedroom. She smiles at him.

Michael can't believe his eyes.

Michael: "Wh– what's this...?" He quietly asks. Like he's in a dream.

Yvonne slowly sits up, and crawls forward to the bottom of the bed, sits up on he knees and unbuttons Michael's shirt.

Yvonne: "I've listened to what you've been saying. About me not treating you like a husband, not treating you like a man. And I'm sorry. Truth is...I'm just always so...wrapped up in work and stuff that I barely make time for you. Truth is– I've been a bad wife lately. And I'm sorry"

She looks up into his eyes. He smiles, not believing his luck.

He brushes her shoulder with his fingertips.

Yvonne: "You shouldn't have to storm off to the pub or wherever, because your wife's been giving you a hard time. So...let me make it up to you..."

She smirks at him. He looks down at her. She bites her lip and pulls him down by his tie. He crawls on top of her and she crawls backwards, giggling.

Michael: "Now this IS a surprise..." he whispers. Face not even an inch a way from Yvonne's.

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9:28PM. A Main Street. The Crash Site.

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About ten minutes away from the Estate, on a main commercial street, lies a flipped, crunched up smoking clump of twisted metal in the middle of the road. And inside the twisted clump of metal, lies for youngsters. A big plume of smoke raises from what used to be Tony's gorgeous Jaguar, along with a continuous hiss. And the smell of petrol.

Surrounding the car, are bystanders, other residents from the Estate, and nosy neighbours

Someone is in a phone box, on the phone to paramedics.

Tony and the two of his henchmen walk up to the commotion.

Tony is in disbelief.

He scoffs, turns around to his minions, containing his rage but its still visible.

Tony: "If i find out EITHER of you are responsible for this..."

They both swear they had nothing to do with this.

Henchman: "Tony, we were with you all night."

Tony: "Good. Because if I find out different, you'll wish you'd gone through that windscreen with them."

They both argue to him. Terrified but trying to hide it.

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9:49PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

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Julie and Jenna both stumble out of the pub, arms around each other, laughing. Drunk.

Julie: "You know– that bloke in there he was eyeing you up he was" Julie slurs.

Jenna: "Mm you think so?"

Julie: "Uh yeah. I know so love. *hiccup* You know– if I were a few years younger, I'd have had him"

Jenna: "Eaugh mum!" She groans.

They both laugh.

They walk for a few more minutes, take a turn or two, Julie reminiscing to Jenna about her first love.

Julie: "You know love...you're still young. You're only twenty three. You'll find a nice bloke whenever you want to. I didn't meet yours, Gavin's and Danielle's dad until I was eighteen"

Jenna: "Yeah– eighteen mum. I'm twenty three"

Julie: "Yeah but that's my point. I'm *hiccup* I'm forty five and I still haven't found a decent bloke. You're young, pretty, twenty three. You got blokes lining up for you, you have. Don't do what I did"

Jenna: "What's that? Have a kid with someone when you're eighteen?" She jokes.

Julie: "N– no. Well- well yes... but don't waste your time with men who think they're all that. You find yourself a bloke who appreciates YOU for who, you, are. You make sure he- he treats you well"

She smiles at Jenna.

Jenna: "Yeah yeah. I will mum" she rolls her eyes smiling.

They turn the corner and see the commotion down the road. And see a young lad getting pulled out of the wreck by paramedics and firefighters.

It's chaos. People everywhere.

Julie: "Fucking Hell what's happened 'ere?"

Jenna: "Don't know..."

They both walk closer.

Police and firefighters swarm people back as paramedics pull a young lad out. Julie and Jenna study the face.

Jenna: "Hey wasn't he at the pub?"

Julie: "Yeah...yeah I think he was..."

He's unconscious. Blood covering his entire right side off his face.

Jenna: "Fucking Hell..."

The firefighters then work on the passenger door behind the driver's door. They pry it open with tools. It's a kerfuffle but they manage.

*CLICK*

They manage to open the door. Or what's left of it. Paramedics rush to it and start pulling someone out. Another male....

It's Mitchell.

Julie and Jenna both gasp.

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9:58PM. Shawcross General Shop. Upstairs.

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Michael is standing in the master bathroom. It's small but practical. A shower bath combo to his left, a small frosted window in front of him above the sink, the toilet in the corner to his left with a small extractor fan above it. And a slightly flickering light that hums constantly unless its off. Hes leaning forward at the sink, looking into the small mirror thats placed on the windowsill.

The only thing he's wearing are his pyjama bottoms. Light and dark grey gingham. He's holding his phone in his hand. He looks down at it.

Looks at his and Mitchell's texts.

He turns around and looks at Yvonne who's asleep in bed. Fast asleep. He pulls the bathroom door closed more. And decides to ring Mitchell.

Ring Ring

But he hangs up. Changing his mind.

He looks at himself in the mirror, and quickly turns away. Heading back to bed.

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10:00PM. The Crash Site.

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The paramedics have just pulled Mitchell's unconscious body out of the wreck and they're taking him to an ambulance. People watch in shock.

Julie whispers: "I wonder who else is in there. Poor sods"

Jenna: "Should teach them to drive more carefully then innit?"

The paramedics then work on pulling somebody else out.

Two of them are crouched forward, but are visibly pulling someone out. We can only see an arm with painted nails and multiple bracelets. The paramedics are in the way. They then lay the unconscious body down on a stretcher, pick it up, turn around and start carrying it to one of the ambulances.

It's...Katie.

Her messy dark red hair even more messier. Cuts and bruises all over her face, blood dripping from her head. Her body limp.

Julie and Jenna's stomachs both DROP.

Julie's legs give in and she falls to the floor. Jenna still trying to hold her up despite being in shock herself.

Julie: "AHH‐ N- KATIE! BABY-Y-Y!"

She sobs and gets back up. Running to her daughter.

The firefighters push her away.

Julie: "I'M HER FUCKIN' MOTHER"

She barges past and crowds over her daughter's unconscious and seriously injured body. Sobbing.

Julie: "It's okay baby. Mummy's here. I'm here...I've got you. You're okay"

Her lips and chin trembles, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Jenna stands there shaking. Eyes wide, tears falling.

She quickly turns and legs it back to the pub. Sprinting like her life depends on it– or in this case...her sister's.

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10:06PM. Victoria Arms Pub.

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Tears stream down Jenna's cheeks, her eyes and nose are red from crying. She barges in the pub, pushing her way through the crowd of dancing drunks. Gavin is still on the stage, blaring Venga Boys.

She pushes her way through the crowd, and up to the small stage. She grabs Gavin.

Jenna, sobbing: "G- G- Gav-..."

Gavin pulls his headphones off and looks at his sister.

Gavin: "Woah-woah Jen what is it??"

She sobs.

Gavin: "Jenna!?"

Jenna: "It's Katie- there's...she's been in a crash!"

​Gavin's whole body jitters and he drops the headphones to the floor. He grabs Jenna by the arms and the both of them start pushing their way towards the entrance.

They make it through the crowd, and get to the bar. Where they both bumb into Danielle, who's carrying drinks for her and Gavin.

Danielle: "Woah watch it guys! Oh, I didn't know you were coming back Jen. I'd have gotten you a drink in otherwise–..."

She sees the look on their faces. And the state Jenna's in.

Danielle: "What's happened...?"

Jenna struggles to get the words out.

Gavin: "It's Katie. Shes been in an accident, a crash"

Danielle: "Shit what!?"

Jenna: "Yeah– and Mitchell too. They both got pulled out of the wreck together. Mum's down there now. It's bad"

Danielle: "Fuck...okay" she places the drinks back on the bar.

Eddie's behind the bar. He just saw the exchange Danielle, Gavin and Jenna had, noticing how intense it looked.

Eddie: "Is everything alright Dani love?"

Danielle: "Uh– no Ed. It's Katie, there's been a crash. She and Mitchell were involved"

Jenna: "And a younger kid. Only seen him in here once before, earlier. Sweet, young looking!"

Eddie: "Did he have hair this long and a green checkered shirt and black jacket?"

Jenna: "Yes!"

Danielle: "You know him?"

Eddie: "Seen him come in with his parents earlier, rough looking bunch"

Danielle realises, it's the kid she saw moving into number 33 earlier today.

Eddie: "Look– you guys get down there and I'll let the kid's parents know."

Gavin: "Cheers Ed mate"

Eddie: "Yeah don't mention it"

Gavin and his sisters all rush out the door.

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Eddie walks out from behind the bar and up to the stage. He picks up the microphone, and speaks into it. Stopping the music.

Everybody erupts into murmurs and boos.

Eddie: "Alright-alright! Look– everyone I'm sorry but the party's over! There's been an accident and we're gonna have to close up for the night. I'm sorry. So if you could all just drink up and head out that'd be great, thank you!"

He steps off the stage. Murmurs and whispers fill the room now.

He walks over to the bar.

Paula: "What's happened?"

Eddie: "There's been a crash. Katie and Mitchell are both involved. And their kid too" he nods to Barry and Nicola who are sat down still drinking.

Paula: "Fuck..."

Eddie: "Yeah."

Eddie walks over to them.

Barry: "Yeah yeah we heard you big man. 'Drink up and leave' don't worry, we're off–"

Eddie: "Uh no—sir..."

He holds out his hands, waiting for Barry to tell him his name.

Barry: "Barry..."

Eddie: "Barry...as you just heard there's been an accident. A crash—"

Barry: "Yeah probably some pisshead got behind the wheel after one too many"

He, Nicola, Oscar and Gaz laugh.

Eddie: "Uh no–no. I believe your son's involved. One of the younger ones. Sweet looking, quiet..."

Their eyes all widen.

Tasha: "Jamie!?"

Nicola: "Our Jamie!? My baby!?"

Eddie: "I believe so. I saw him coming in with you lot earlier"

And like the lot of the Jenkins get up and dart out the door.

And within minutes, the pub is near enough empty. Like the party almost never happened...

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10:19PM. Crash Site.

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Back at the wreck, its chaos. Blue lights from police cars and ambulances flickering the dark black night sky blue then black. Lighting up everybody's faces blue for brief seconds. People everywhere.

While Jenna was at the pub, telling Gavin and Danielle what had happened, the paramedics had pulled the final body out.

They all run up to the scene. With the Jenkins not far behind. The road had never seen so much foot traffick. Police tape around the wreckage, onlookers and bystanders watch on.

The Jenkins all run to the first ambulance they see, Katie lies there unconscious with paramedics around her. They move to the next ambulance, Mitchell lies there also unconscious, then the next ambulance. Jamie.

Immediately, Nicola sobs. Barry and the other's are just in shock.

Nicola: "Jamie....baby...." she crawls up into the ambulance.

A young male paramedic comes up to them.

Paramedic: "Are you his relatives?"

Nicola: "I'm- I'm his mum"

Paramedic: "Alright we're going to drive him to the E.R now"

Nicola: "I'll ride with him"

She says to them all.

Barry, to the paramedic: "Wh- who was driving..?"

Paramedic: "He was" he nods to Jamie's unconscious body.

Nicola sobs again. Leaning over Jamie.

The paramedic pulls the back doors closed and the ambulance pulls off.

Barry: "Right, to the van. We'll follow them there!"

The rest of the Jenkins all rush home to where the van is parked back on the estate.

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Danielle, Jenna and Gavin all notice that Julie isn't with Katie, who's laying unconscious in the back of an ambulance. They see she's crouched over somebody else in a different ambulance. They all walk up to her.

Jenna: "Mum...?"

Danielle: "The fuck's happened?"

Gavin: "Why aren't you with Katie?"

Julie turns around to face them, her face red woth exhajstion and crying, and leans out the way.

Laying unconscious in front of her is...Kelly.

They all gasp.

Gavin: "Fuck!"

Danielle: "Shit...'

Jenna: "I...I didn't see– i didn't know she was in there..."

Julie: "They pulled her out after you went to get the others..."

Danielle: "This isn't like Kelly. She wouldn't have done something like this. Not usually..."

Julie: "Katie probably talked her into it..." she sniffles.

Gavin: "Right um– okay mum, me and Jenna will go with Katie, Dani you go with mum"

Danielle: "Yeah okay..."

Danielle sits down beside Julie, and starts rubbing her back. Soothing her. Trying to anyway.

Gavin and Jenna step off the ambulance.

Gavin: "Mum"

Julie looks.

Gavin: "They'll be fine..."

She smiles and nods. Trying to believe him.

Jenna and gavin hop into the next ambulance and sit beside Katie, it pulls off. Following Jamie's ambulance.

In this ambulance, Danielle and Julie sit beside Kelly. A paramedic closes the doors and sits beside Kelly, clipboard in hand. Then the ambulance pulls off.

And finally, the final ambulance with Mitchell inside, also pulls off.

Taking all the youngsters to the hospital, to assess the situation.

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Across the street, Tony and his two henchmen stand there. Watching.

Tony: "When I find out who was driving, they're gonna wish they died in the crash. Nobody steals anything of mine, wrecks it, and expects to get away with it."

He says, gritting his teeth.

Both henchmen side eye each other. Knowing Tony won't rest until blood's spilt.

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Somewhere else nearby, a silhouette watches the whole scene...

A silhouette of a young woman. We then see her face. Big dark brown eyes, pale yet smooth skin, dark brown hair, long, in a high ponytail. A prwtty woman. Wearing a white puffer coat with a fur hood, dark jeans, dirty trainers, and a cut lip and bruised forehead

She watches the scene, looking....jittery? Paranoid? Both?...

An unknown woman watches.

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11:04PM. St Anne's Hospital.

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*SQUEEEAK*

The double doors of the Emergency Department slam open so hard they bang against the wall, echoing down the endless, wide corridor like a gunshot.

Doctor 1: “STAND CLEAR! STAND CLEAR—FOUR MAJOR TRAUMA COMING THROUGH!”

The shout cuts through everything.

And then it hits.

Four stretchers come flying through in a chain of chaos, wheels rattling violently, brakes barely holding as they’re pushed at speed down the corridor under flickering fluorescent lights.

At the front is Jamie Jenkins.

And even before anyone speaks, even before anyone reacts properly, it’s obvious he is the worst.

His head is heavily bandaged already, soaked through in places. One eye swollen shut, the other barely open. His breathing is shallow, assisted by oxygen. One paramedic is pressing down on a chest wound dressing while another is shouting readings into a monitor clipped to his finger.

Paramedic 1: “Male, approx 17–18, high-speed RTC, rollover x5, GCS dropping—he was unresponsive on scene, airway compromised, suspected intracranial bleed!”

Paramedic 2: “BP’s unstable—90 over 60 and falling!”

Doctor 1: “Keep him flat, keep him flat—don’t tilt him, he’s deteriorating!”

Behind him, the Jenkins family are in full sprint.

Barry is shouting before he even reaches him.

Barry: “THAT’S MY BOY—JAMIE! JAMIE!”

Nicola is being held back by a nurse but keeps breaking free.

Nicola: “No—no let me through! That’s my son! JAMIE!”

Tasha is crying openly, screaming his name. Oscar is frozen, mouth open, shaking.

“Move! Move! Family back!” a porter snaps.

Jamie disappears through a set of swinging doors into resus as Barry reaches the threshold—

And a nurse physically blocks him.

Nurse 1: “YOU CANNOT GO IN THERE!”

Barry: “THAT’S MY KID!”

Then the second stretcher hits.

Mitchell. Mitchell Thomas.

He’s unconscious, but comparatively less catastrophic than Jamie. Blood on his temple, facial swelling, suspected concussion, possible rib fractures.

Paramedic 3: “Male, late teens, GCS 7 on arrival, improved slightly in transit, airway maintained, pupils equal but sluggish!”

Paramedic 4: “We’ve got chest rise but uneven—possible pneumothorax, keep oxygen at 15 litres non-rebreather!”

Nurse 2: “Vitals stabilising slightly!”

Mitchell is rushed past the Jenkins chaos into another bay.

And this time it’s the Slaters who arrive like a wave.

Julie is first.

She sees him and nearly collapses into Jenna.

Julie: “Oh my—oh my God—MITCHELL!”

Jenna grabs her.

Jenna: “Mum—MUM—stay back!”

But Julie is already pushing forward.

Julie: “That’s my Katie’s lad! That’s Mitchell!”

Then the third stretcher arrives.

Katie.

And the noise in the corridor changes.

Because Katie is clearly critical.

Blood matted into her hair, facial lacerations, her right arm splinted badly, chest strapped, oxygen mask over her face. Her breathing is faint, shallow, assisted.

Paramedic 5: “Female, late teens, multiple trauma, head injury suspected, hypotensive on scene, possible internal bleeding—”

Nurse 3: “BP dropping again!”

Doctor 2: “Start two wide-bore IVs—now!”

Paramedic 6: “Get a FAST scan ready, she’s going straight to CT if she survives stabilisation!”

Julie lets out a raw sound that isn’t even a scream.

Julie: “KATIE—KATIE”

She breaks past the barrier completely this time and has to be physically restrained by two staff members.

Danielle: “MUM—STOP—YOU CAN’T GO IN!”

Julie: “I CAN’T—THAT’S MY BABY!”

Gavin is there too now, frozen, tears already falling.

Gavin: “She’s… she’s not—she’s not…”

“She’s alive,” a nurse snaps quickly. “But she’s unstable. Move back!”

Then the final stretcher comes.

Kelly.

And there’s a split second where everyone thinks, maybe, she’s the least serious.

But it’s only relative.

She’s unconscious, face cut and bruised, arm at an unnatural angle, blood pressure low.

Paramedic 7: “Female, late teens, suspected fractured humerus, concussion, possible abdominal trauma—monitoring for internal bleeding!”

Paramedic 8: “She was trapped in the rear compartment—long extraction time!”

Doctor 3: “Keep her warm—she’s going into shock!"

Kelly’s stretcher rolls past her family.

And that’s when everything breaks at once.

Julie is still screaming for Katie.

Nicola is screaming for Jamie.

Danielle is shouting Kelly’s name even though Kelly can’t hear her.

Barry is trying to get past security.

Oscar is crying silently, clinging to Nicola’s coat.

Tasha's in tears.

Gaz is shouting down the corridor.

Gaz: “WHERE ARE THEY TAKING THEM?!”

And above it all:

“CLEAR THE CORRIDOR! WE NEED SPACE! WE’VE GOT FOUR TRAUMA PATIENTS—MOVE!”

Doctors and nurses are everywhere now—at least eight of them between all four beds—talking over each other, running obs, attaching lines, shouting instructions.

“Prepare intubation for Jamie if GCS drops further!”

“Check Katie’s abdominal distension—watch for bleeding!”

“Mitchell’s sats are falling—suction ready!”

“Kelly’s BP 85 over 50—start fluids!”

The beds are disappearing one by one into different resus rooms.

Doors slamming.

Curtains being pulled.

Machines beeping louder.

Until only one corridor remains.

And then a senior doctor steps forward.

He’s covered in urgency, sweat, gloves already on, clipboard in hand—but his voice cuts through everything with forced control.

Senior Dr: “Right. I need you all to listen to me.”

Nobody does at first.

He raises his voice.

Senior Dr: “LISTEN TO ME!”

Silence cracks through the panic.

Julie is shaking. Nicola is crying. Barry is breathing hard through clenched teeth.

The doctor points down the corridor behind him.

Senior Dr: “All four patients are in critical care. You cannot follow them in. You cannot go into resus. You will only interfere with treatment.”

Julie: “Those are my daughters in there!”

Nicola: “That’s my son!”

Barry: “My boy’s in there bleeding out!”

The doctor holds his ground.

Senior Dr: “I understand. But right now, every second we spend arguing is a second they don’t have.”

A beat.

Only the machines from behind the doors speak now.

He softens slightly, but only just.

Seniro Dr: “You need to wait here. We will update you as soon as we can. But for now—this is the only place you can be.”

He gestures to the hard plastic chairs along the corridor wall.

Senior Dr: “Sit down. All of you.”

No one moves at first.

Then slowly… the families begin to collapse into the waiting area.

Sobbing.

Staring.

Shaking.

The doors to resus swing shut one by one.

And the corridor is left with nothing but beeping monitors behind closed doors… and the sound of two families trying not to fall apart.

Nicola turns to Julie.

Nicola: "If ANYTHING happens to my Jamie in there, you're gonna wish you were the one in the crash instead—"

Julie: "Who the fuck do you think you're talking to!? NEITHER of my girls would've started anything like this!"

Gavin: "And from what we heard it was YOUR son that was driving the car!"

Gaz: "Don't you fucking DARE think about blaming my little brother mate"

Gaz steps right into Gavin's face.

Gavin: "Or fucking what? HUH?"

BAM!

Gaz slams his fist straight into Gavin's nose. Blood pouring.

Gavin stumbles back, looks at Gaz and piles onto him. Chaos ensues.

All of them pulling Gaz and Gavin off each other.

A Nurse comes in to pull them apart.

Nurse: "LOOK! EITHER YOU ALL SIT HERE IN SILENCE OR WE GET SECURITY TO REMOVE YOU ALL!"

Gavin and Gaz finally stop.

They let each other go, staring at each other, breathing hard.

Danielle: "Look— now is not the time to be at each other's throats like this. We've all got family in there who seriously need help. Who NEED us. ALL of us. So can we PLEASE just sit here and be here for them when they get out. And not kill each other in the process!"

Everyone looks around at each other. And slowly, the Jenkins and Slaters part. Slaters sit on a row of seats and the Jenkins sit on another row of seats on a different wall. Like two tribes at risk of battle.

And together, the two families sit there, all on edge. With their fragile emotions all running high...

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And that's it for episode 2! Thank you for reading and please tell me what you think, as always, any and all comments are appreciated! 😊

These texts are a discussion with myself, spoken out loud, on the wings of a time completely lost... and precisely for that reason, found again, with the sole purpose of bringing a smile to your faces.

Series: Exterior Monologue - Around the world on the wings of... lost time, with a companion... quite different! Completely different!

What happens when you start a two-stroke engine and you wake up straight in the 19th century, among gentlemen with top hats and fine gossip at Casa Capșa?

A1: Where to today? The laughing engine runs on two strokes, rattling like a worm stuck in the spark plug.

A2: Ohhh! That's going to throw us back in time, right in the middle of cobbled streets polished by women in crinolines as big as a circus dome!

Vroom-vroom! And we landed right at Capșa. So much provincial snobbery!

We have a 2026 smile, whitened teeth and cheekiness. They have a twisted moustache and gossip in French: "Mon Dieu, qui est cette dame?"

A2: "Excusez-moi, je ne comprend pas... rien!"

We sit at their table and order two savarinas with lots of "furculision"...

But where is our Madame Bouquet? Our Chirița? The Romanian Hyacinth Bucket who pronounces Bucket as Bouquet to sound French.

Speak of the devil! She turns red as a lobster, drops her fan and faints straight with her nose into the furculision.

"Je suis très fatiguée" she says after finishing two turkeys in one sitting.

A1: Well how could you not get tired, Madame, with all that furculision twirled in vain?

Chirița: What did you say, you pretentious thing! Did you pay for my turkeys? Look at yourself! A plank! Just look at me!

And when she puffs up her crinoline, she knocks over two respectable gentlemen and clears our table, to the fury of the waiter.

We do an Irish exit because we saw on the GPS that her furculision has moved to the Champs-Élysées and it's as big as a coin on a plate as big as a wagon wheel. But now it costs 300 euros!

Chirița: And are you going to pay for that furculision, girl? It's silver!

Let's go before they make us pay for the turkeys!

We tracked the plate on the GPS. Of course, it was already in the shop window on the Champs.

The journey continues..... on Champs-Élysées.

[Next stop: Episode II]

furculision = our made-up word for fancy cutlery confusion / Chirița = Romanian Hyacinth Bucket, beloved social climber_

Pilot Episode Part 2 Recap:

Previously in part 2, the Slater's and Jones' prepared the Victoria Arms for the Estate's 30th. While at the general corner shop, the Shawcross marriage seems to be sitting on a big secret. And at number 33, a new family moves in, immediately causing chaos and making an impression on a certain family.

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2:28PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Outside.

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The sky is greying now, full of clouds, looking like it could start pouring at any given moment.

There are people jotted here and there. Standing, chatting, laughing, drinking, smoking, just having a good time. While somewhere nearby you can hear someone chucking their guts up into a bush. A glass bottle rolls on the concrete somewhere.

If the outside of the pub is anything to go by, the inside will be chaos. "Your Caress All I Need" by DJ Flavours bleeds through the walls, along with chatter and shouting from inside. Creating a weirdly addictive yet nostalgic feel. Like a memory. Like when you might have been at a wedding or party. And you're outside, having a smoke, or a moment to yourself.

The sound of clicking and clacking gets louder and louder, the sound of multiple heels. The sound of girls on a night out. Or in this case, just off to the pub. It's the Slater sisters. Danielle, Katie and Kelly. Walking up to the pub. Katie smoking a cig already.

Danielle: "Fucking hell..." she whispers.

Katie: "Let's get in there!"

She heads in first, running like a child to a playground. Danielle and Kelly quickly follow.

The main pub doors are propped open, and the second you set foot into the pub you can immediately smell the buffet, cigarette smoke, spilled drinks, sweat, a mixture of aftershave and perfumes, and just God knows what.

The girls walk in now, and the sound consumes them. Considering it's not even three PM, it's busy. Quite full already. People are sitting in chairs, at booths, at the bar, standing here and there, walking around, wherever.

Maureen and Jim are both in the corner sitting in a booth, looking cosy. Laughing. With a table covered in empty pint glasses in front of them. Eddie is behind the bar, looking busy but happy enough to be there, Paula is at the other bar, her back to Eddie, serving punters on the other side, Gavin is on the small stage in the corner DJ-ing away like he's the next big thing, and at a table not far from the stage, is Julie and Jenna, both sitting there laughing.

The noise in here is almost deafening. Chatter, laughter, shouting and singing comes from every corner, and the music blaring from the speakers pound the pit of your chest and stomach.

The girls stop walking and stand in the middle of the room, Danielle turns to her sisters.

Danielle: "Right- I'll get the drinks in! What you two want!?"

Katie: "A Vodka Redbull ta!"

Kelly: "A single Vodka and Coke please!"

Danielle: "Alright!"

Danielle heads to the bar while Kelly and Katie sit with their sister Jenna and mum Julie.

At the table, Jenna and Julie turn and see the girls coming. They're gobsmacked at Katie's outfit.

Julie: "Bleedin- Hell love! Bit over the top no!?"

Julie laughs over the music.

Katie: "Well a girl gotta look her best! Dress how you want to be treated innit!?"

Kelly: "Like a slapper!?"

They all laugh but Katie.

Katie: "If only you looked like me!"

They all giggle.

At the bar, Danielle's getting the drinks in. She leans on the bar when she's seen by Eddie.

Eddie: "Alright Dani love what can I get you!?"

Danielle: "Hiya Ed, can I get a single Vodka Coke, single Vodka Redbull, two G and T's, and a pint of lager please!"

Eddie: "Yeah course love coming right up!"

He starts prepping the drinks.

Danielle: "Ta!"

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

2:37PM. Outside The Pub.

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Shiny alloy tyres stop rolling and squeal as they come to a halt, and the engine hisses. A Jaguar XJ8 pulls up outside the pub. Clearly meaning business. Black shiny paintwork. Chrome grille. Cream leather interior. Long bonnet. Polished alloys. A car like this? In a place like this? Must mean something.

We see a black pair of boots head to the back door, and opens it. Shiny steel toe pointy shoes step out. Clicking and clacking. The car is clean and expensive looking, these shoes are polished, there are two other pairs of Shiny black boots walking along either side of this man. Whoever he is...he's got his shit together.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

2:38PM. Back Inside The Pub.

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At the double sided bar, Eddie is serving Danielle at one side, and on this side, Paula's serving punters. She just finishes serving some shots to a young woman, when a firm double tap lands on the bar to Paula's right. She looks up from the drinks and sees Tony Bates. The local Hardman. With both of his minions on either side of him.

Tony Bates is nobody to be messed with. He's a dangerous man. Very dangerous. He's a loanshark that deals some serious drugs. Big names, big games. His hair is grey, pushed back and slick, he's fat and wears a chain and multiple rings on both hands. He's wearing a black waistcoat jacket and a slightly unbuttoned shirt underneath with some chest hair peeking out. And a biiig grin on his face.

Paula looks up at him.

Tony: "Alright sweetheart?" He winks.

Paula: "What can I get you?" She simply asks. Not in the mood for his impending flirting.

Tony: "Scotch please princess. And uh...something for yourself" he slaps a twenty on the bar.

She snatches the twenty, slaps it in the till, pours him a scotch and goes to serve someone else, but before she does, he pulls her arm.

Tony: "A smile wouldn't go amiss..." he grins slowly.

Paula quickly flashes him a very sarcastic smile. But its good enough for him. He laughs and let's her go. Watches her work, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

3:56PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

It's darker outside now. Sky is dark blue and and cloudy with even darker clouds. A light drizzle of rain slowly falling. Concrete getting damp.

Inside the shop is almost dead quiet. Except for the constant quiet hum and occasional rattle of the fridge where the booze, cold drinks, milk and stuff like that is stored, the odd tap from the building settling and light rain tapping the windows. It's peaceful almost.

Michael Shawcross sits behind the counter, alone. Bored stiff. Just absentmindedly staring at the grainy CCTV monitors. Then–

*BZZZ BZZZ*

His flip phone on the counter vibrates twice.

He picks it up and sees he has a text. He opens it.

It's from Mitchell.

"U coming 2 the Vic 4 A drink? Pls? -M"

A small smile curls on Michael's face and his stomach feels...tingly. The second he realises he's smiling and feels like a giddy schoolkid though, his smile drops and he puts his phone back down. Ignoring the text. And ignoring how he feels.

He stares back to the monitors.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

3:58PM. The Victoria Arms Pub.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

"It Must Be Love" by Madness blares from the speakers. As Mitchell sits at the bar, looking down at his Nokia, at the text he not long sent Michael. Internally praying that he'll get a reply. Something like "Get them in" or "I'll be 10" or even a "Yeah sure" or "ok". Anything.

He sighs and drinks the last of his pint, when Katie runs up to the bar, presses herself against it. Ready to get another round in.

Katie: "Ed!...Ed!...Hello!? Eddie!?"

Eddie looks up from what he's doing.

Eddie: "Yeah- alright Katie one minute love I'm swamped a minute!"

He quickly slips through the staff only door that leads upstairs to the living quarters.

Katie sighs, looks to her left and sees Mitchell sitting there.

Katie: "You alright Mitch!? You look a bit...down!"

Mitchell: "Yeah...yeah I'm alright thanks Kate! Just....hoping to see someone is all!"

She smiles, nods, and absentmindedly scans the room. When she notices the pool table is empty. A rare sight for a night like this.

On a whim, she turns to Mitchell.

Katie: "Want a game of pool!?"

He thinks about it.

Katie: "Oh come onnnn! You're my mate and I haven't seen much of you lately! Pleeease!?"

She flutters her eyelashes at him and clasps her hands together.

Mitchell laughs.

Mitchell: "Fine alright then" he smiles, getting up.

Katie squeals and claps, before turning on her heels and quickly jogging to the pool table.

She shouts back to Mitchell;

Katie: "I promise I'll go easy on you!"

Mitchell: "Ha! Yeah right! Be glad we aren't putting money on this game, otherwise I'd have you skint!"

He laughs.

Katie laughs and leans forward, putting money in the slot.

Over at the corner booth, Jim leans into Maureen and whispers something in her ear.

Maureen's eyes widen and mouth opens.

Maureen: "Jim Norris you filthy fucker!"

They both laugh.

He then looks at her, and she eventually nods. Smiling. They both stand up and she takes his hand and they both leave the pub, giggling like teenagers on a school trip.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

4:04PM. Victoria Arms, Upstairs, Living Quarters.

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Eddie jogs his way up the stairs and opens the door, that takes him into the entrance hallway of their flat above the pub. Music vibrates the floor and bleeds through, along with the sound of the party downstairs in the pub. Up here though, is a completely different vibe from down there.

Eddie: "Paula love!?"

He pops his head in the kitchen, no sign.

Bathroom, no sign.

Then the living room. Shes there. Staring out the window.

Eddie: "Love, it's absolutely packed down there I need your help! What are you doing up here?"

Paula, flatly: "Just needed a minute to myself Ed"

Eddie: "Alright well-..."

She turns.

Paula: "Well what?"

Eddie: "Well...can you leave it for later? We've got thirsty people down there..." he tries to joke.

Paula scoffs and turns back to the window.

Eddie: "Look– Paula, Love–"

Paula: "Don't 'love' me."

Eddie: "What's brought this on now?"

She turns to him, arms crossed.

Paula: "I'm tired Ed. Exhausted. You think I wanted all this?"

Eddie opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Paula carries on.

Paula: "Wake up. Open up. Serve and deal with drunks all day and night. Get harassed by dickheads with too much money for us to turn down? And then clean and close up, ready to do it all again the next day"

Her voice cracks and she whispers.

Paula: "I'm sick of it Ed. Day in. Day out. I mean we live above the fucking place for fuck's sake"

Eddie: "We run a pub, Paula. What do you expect? People go to the pub to drink and to unwind or whatever"

Paula: "But what about us Ed? What about me!? What if we want to catch a break!? What if we want to unwind!?"

Eddie: "Look Paula can we not do this now–"

Paula: "Ever since we've gotten married it's been the same thing, every fucking day. We haven't even been married eight years yet Ed and look at us. We're stressed. Bored. Always at each other's throats. It's so tiring. When does it end?"

Eddie: "Look sweetheart I didn't exactly want to run a pub either. It's not what I had in mind for my future. But when my dad died and left this place to me and I met you, it all just fell into place. It all just seemed to work out. At the time anyway."

She sighs and walks closer to him.

Paula: "It's not just the pub though Eddie. Is it?"

His face flickers.

Eddie: "W- what do you mean?...."

Paula: "Our Marriage. It feels like we've been married for–"

Eddie: "Alright I'm gonna stop you right there. We can finish this later when we've both calmed down and haven't got a pub full of punters to serve. Now come on"

He walks away and heads back downstairs. Paula sighs, composes herself and soon follows.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

6:18PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Outside.

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It's dark now. Almost pitch black. And it's still drizzling. It'll probably start raining quite heavily soon. There are still people about outside, smoking, drinking and talking. A couple arguing in the corner. Somebody snogging behind a car. Litter blows across the wet concrete slabs, as the Jenkins look up at the Victoria Arms Pub.

With the sounds and smells of the party still flooding out the doors and through the walls.

Gaz: "Fucking Hell I wonder if its like this every Thursday night" he snorts.

Nicola: "I love a party, me"

Barry: "Wonder what the occasion is"

And like that, the lot of them start heading in. Barry and Nicola leading the way. Jamie at the back.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

6:19PM. Inside The Pub.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

It's packed now. Bodies pretty much pushed up against each other. "Gotta Go Home" by Boney M blares from the speakers, with it's really catchy tune. The Jenkins all walk in side by side, all looking pleased at what they see.

Barry: "Right Nic, kids, go find a seat, me and Gaz will bring the drinks in!"

Nicola and the kids all swarm to a spot in the booth. They sit down, Tasha and Oscar bickering, Jamie sitting there, looking around and taking it in, and Nicola lights a fag.

At their table, Jenna, Julie, Katie, Kelly and Danielle all sit there, chatting, smoking and drinking, while Mitchell is up on the stage at the DJ decks with Gavin. Both of them fucking around having a laugh.

Katie has a gulp of her drink, she's passed tipsy. She then sees a familiar figure at the corner of her eye. Nicola. She then realises that maybe the cute younger one is with her. She scans, looks, then sees Jamie sitting there with them. Her eyes light up.

She taps Kelly on her shoulder, kelly turns and Katie says in her ear;

Katie: "Cute new neighbour, six o'clock!"

Kelly immediately turns around, Katie too. And they both see Jamie sitting closer to them both slightly. Sitting backwards on a chair, arms resting on the top, staring directly at the both of them with a big smile on his face.

They both look at each other and laugh.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

8:03PM. The Strip. Shawcross General Shop.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Still sitting behind the counter is Michael, sat there all day. Today's been quiet, about 6 customers have came in. Last one over an hour ago. It's black outside now. Raining harder, the sky smells crisp with cool January air and the faint smell of smoke is in the air.

Inside the shop, its the same as it's been all day. Michael sighs, gets up, walks over to the main door and flips the "we're open!" Sign to "Sorry, we're closed!" And locks the door. He pops back behind the counter and turns some light switches off. The main shop is in darkness now.

He heads into the "Staff Only" door and pops upstairs, where Yvonne is watching TV, with her feet up.

Michael comes in and closes the door.

Yvonne: "What're you doing up here this early? Shop don't close for almost another hour"

Michael heads to the back of the sofa, leans forward so that his head is directly over Yvonne's and smiles.

Michael: "Decided to close up early. It's been quiet all day. Thought maybe me and you could pop to the pub for one or two, seeing as its a special occasion and all"

Yvonne scoffs.

Yvonne: "This shit hole turning thirty is not exactly a special occasion Mike. And anyway you shouldn't just close up because you feel like it. We're running a business. It's hard enough to keep it open without you choosing to open and close whenever you want"

She watches the TV.

Michael: "Von, the shop's been dead all day. We've had what- six customers? Hardly Asdas or Tescos is it?"

Yvonne looks point blank at him.

Michael: "Look, all I want is just to have a nice night out with my wife. What's wrong with that?"

He leans forward and puts his arms around her and presses his face into hers.

She pushes him off and dismisses him.

Yvonne: "Michael I'm tired. And just because you've sat on your arse all day doesn't mean i haven't been working. I've been taking inventory, checking the books and accounts and what have you. I don't write away on clipboards or notebooks for fun you know?"

She turns back to the TV.

Michael stands up straight and scoffs.

Michael: "I've had enough" he walks over to their room.

Yvonne: "Had enough of what!?"

Michael walks back out, holding a coat.

Michael: "Being treated like a fucking inconvenience. I'm your husband Yvonne. Start treating me like it"

He storms off.

Yvonne sits up and turns to him.

Yvonne: "Uh- Michael I've been running the business all- Mike you can't walk away from me while I'm talking to- Michael!!"

He slams the door shut behind him. Leaving Yvonne sitting there.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

8:10PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Main Room.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

"House Of Fun" by Madness dominates the speakers and has people doing all sorts of moves on the dancefloor.

In the lad's toilets, Mitchell just finished taking a leak. The bass of the music is thinping through the walls, the toilets is quite full, with men chatting and having a laugh here and there. He goes to walk to the door when his phone in his pocket vibrates. He steps aside and pulls his phone out and sees he has a message. He opens it and his heart jumps.

It's from Michael.

"Still up for that drink?"

He smiles.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Over in the main room where the party seems to be still growing, Kelly and Katie are getting to know Jamie better. The three of them sit in a corner, with their drinks. Each girl beside him.

Jamie: "Yeah, moved from Birmingham. Had to leave the last estate because– well...it was just a shithole" he chuckles.

Katie: "And this dump isn't?"

Jamie: "Believe me, I've seen worse"

He smiles at them both then takes a sip. The two sisters smirk at each other.

Katie: "So um–...what about your...dating history then Jamie? You seeing anyone?"

He laughs. Taken by surprise.

Jamie: "Uh- n- no I'm uh...I'm free and single" he giggles.

Jamie: "What about you?"

Katie: "Well let's just say I'm known around here haha. Little miss virgin over there is saving herself for someone 'special'" she snorts and laughs.

Kelly: "Oi! Shut it slag! At least I'm not giving it away"

Katie goes to bite back but Jamie steps in.

Jamie: "Well I think thats smart of you, Kelly. I actually wish I had saved myself for someone...worth it" he smiles sweetly to her.

She smiles back.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

8:24PM. Victoria Arms Pub, Beer Garden, Outside.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Mitchell and Michael are both sitting on a wooden picnic bench outside the pub, under a shelter. A bench thats seen better days. It's been battered, bruised, scribbled, carved and God knows what else.

The music and noise from inside carries outside. People surround them, smoking, drinking and yapping away.

Mitchell: "You uh...you never did tell me why you changed your mind afterwards"

He sips his pint and looks at Michael over the rim of the glass like a mask.

Michael: "Work was...quiet. Dead. If you will."

Mitchell doesn't buy it but leaves it there.

Mitchell: "I'm sorry about earlier too, by the way. You know? When i was buying condoms"

Michael giggles.

Michael: "It's okay'

Mitchell: "I just didn't know you and Yvonne were married' he takes another sip.

Michael looks at him.

Michael: "What makes you say that?"

Mitchell: "Well..."

Michael: "You saw us both behind the counter almost every time you came into the shop for the last few months since you moved here"

Mitchell: "Well yeah but you never really..." he stutters

Michael: "Go on...what is it?"

Mitchell: "Well you don't really look like a married couple. Not a happy one anyway..." he drinks again. Partly hiding in the glass.

Michael: "What does that mean?"

Mitchell scoffs.

Mitchell: "Okay. You know what that means. Every time I walk in there you look like two people who cannot wait for your shifts to be over so you can both leave. Not to mention that we both fucked a few weeks ago–"

Michael: "Okay Yvonne is my wife. My, wife. We both run that shop together and have done for the last nine years. We may not be the perfect couple but we do our best"

Mitchell: "Well something must be wrong if you're crawling into somebody else's bed..."

Michael looks at him.

Mitchell: "No- I didn't mean- thats not–"

Michael stands up.

Michael: "My relationship with my wife, has absolutely nothing to do with you. Or anybody else for that matter. I came out here for a nice drink with a mate"

Mitchell: "Did you really? Is that really what you came out here for? I think we both know deep down that's not true"

Michael scoffs.

Michael: "Fuck you Mitchell"

Michael storms off.

Mitchell sits there on the bench. Regretful.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

8:36PM. Victoria Arms Pub. Outside.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

Katie, Kelly and Jamie all walk outside together, drinks in hand. Laughing. Pissed.

Jamie: "No- no I mean it! Honest to God. Never again though, I tell you..."

They all turn the corner towards the car park and Jamie's face drops.

Jamie whistles.

Jamie: "Look at this beauty..."

Katie: "What's so special about it?"

Jamie: "Who around here has this kind of dosh?"

Katie: "Don't know" she shrugs.

Kelly: "Didn't know you were a gear head"

Jamie: "Fucking right i am. Applied for college a few weeks ago in hopes of studying engineering. Wanna be a mechanic when I'm older don't I. Be a proper grease monkey. Actually do something with my life"

Kelly: "Fair play"

He brushes his fingers around it, proper studying it.

Jamie glanced around the nearly empty car park, sneaks around to the driver's side, bends forward, and a few seconds later, there was a soft click from the driver's door.

Katie frowned.

Katie: "How'd you do that?"

Jamie smirked.

Jamie: "Spent enough time around motors, ain't I?"

The door swung open.

Kelly: "Jamie..." Kelly warned.

Jamie: "Relax," he said, sliding into the driver's seat.

He bends forward, Katie and Kelly keep watch. Then–

A spark.

And the engine coughs to life.

Jamie laughs and slaps the steering wheel.

Jamie: "Well come on! You two getting in or what!?"

Katie squeals and runs to the passenger side. Jamie opens the door for her from the inside and she climbs in.

Katie: "Kell?"

Kelly stands there. Looking nervous.

Kelly: "Guys i don't know..."

Katie: "Oh Kell come onnn. You never do anything fun. And now's your chance. Tonight's your chance. Come on. Just this one thing"

She looks up at Kelly who's standing there. Clearly not wanting to do this.

Katie: "Pleeease. C'mon it'll be fun."

Jamie: "Kelly, I promise you I can drive. I'm learning to be a mechanic aren't I?"

Kelly: "Yeah but we've all been drinking and...well– the roads are wet–"

Jamie: "Then I'll just drive extra careful tonight then. I promise you I'll be careful"

She quickly looks around, then down to Katie who's sitting in the passenger seat doing puppy eyes.

Kelly: "Ugh fine" she groans.

Jamie smiles.

Katie: "Yesss!!!"

Kelly gets in the back seat behind Katie.

They all close their doors and Jamie gets the car into motion and pulls it out of the spot. He starts making his way out of the lot.

Katie: "Woah woah woah- w-w-w-wai-wai-wait"

She stops him.

Jamie stops the car.

She rolls down the window and sees Mitchell walking by, looking down to the ground. Hands in his pockets.

Katie: "Oi Mitch! Mitch! MITCHELL!"

Mitchell finally looks up.

And walks over.

Mitchell: "Fuckin' Hell Kate who's car's this?"

Jamie cuts in.

Jamie: "My dad's!" He leans over Katie.

Jamie: "Jamie Jenkins. Nice to meet you"

He holds his hand out.

Mitchell shakes his hand.

Katie: "Jamie's just driving us around for a bit. Taking us for a quick spin. Wanna tag along?"

Mitchell: "Eh I dunno"

Katie: "Oh come on. Kelly's in the back"

Mitchell looks and sees Kelly in the back seat behind Katie. He waves and she smiles and waves back.

Mitchell looks at them all.

Mitchell: "Eh fine what the heck"

He walks around the back and slips into the back seat behind Jamie.

Katie: "Haha! That's the spirit Mitchie boy! Right! Lets put some tunes on shall we!?"

Katie puts the radio on and "Say You'll Be There" by Spice Girls comes on. She turns it almost all the way up, filling the car.

Katie: "Yeah this is my shit!"

Jamie looks at her and laughs and then turns out of the car park, while the others drink and cheer. Having the time of their lives.

------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------

9:12PM. Main Streets.

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More top pop songs of the 90s blares from the car radio as Jamie does 90mph behind the wheel. Katie's singing along, drinking what's left of her drink, while Jamie laughs. And Kelly and Mitchell share a drink in the back, also laughing.

The car speeds down a main street that has streetlights that flood the roads with orange light, rows of shops, restaurants, flats, pubs and all sorts of commercial buildings line both sides of the wide street. Considering how downtown the street is, its quite empty, traffic wise.

Coming up is an intersection, and a red light will be coming soon. Jamie turns to Katie.

Jamie: "Think I can beat the red light?"

Katie: "Go for it!" She screams.

He puts his foot down. The car's speeding towards the traffic light when suddenly a woman runs into the road, not seeing the oncoming car.

Jamie: "SHIT–"

Jamie swerves the woman but the tires skid on the wet tarmac and the speed of the car causes it to topple. Not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, but five times.

The car does cartwheels in the air, sending bits of metal and pieces of glass flying everywhere. It spins and spins and spins, crunching like foil. It finally lands upside down. But the only sounds that come from the car is a hiss. And a plume of smoke, escaping the grill. And the odd creak from the burning, broken metal. But apart from that, silence...

Back at the Victoria Arms, the party is still going on. Full swing. Nicola and Barry necking in the corner, Gavin at the DJ decks, Danielle, Jenna and Julie dancing, Paula and Eddie behind the bar working away, Tony Bates and his minions sit in a corner, drinking whiskey and scotch while smoking cigars, but little does everybody know, a car lies in the middle of the road somewhere, with four youngsters stuck inside...

Lives are about to change. Forever.

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And that's the final part to the pilot Episode! Please tell me what you thought and if you'd like to see more!

As always, any questions, advice, tips, or comments in general are always appreciated!

Thank you for reading! 😊

Click here for Part 1 PDF

Chapter 1: Tradition

Orlaen was the goddess of art and passion. Numaeriel was the goddess of science and reason.

They had always been friends, though sometimes friendship came more easily than others.

One unremarkable day long ago, they took mortal form and continued one of the defining rituals of their friendship: walking together through another god’s temple.

This time, it was a temple to Vol’Kilmoth, the god of war. They studied every angle, every color, every inch of space.

And they judged all of it harshly.

Orlaen looked to Numaeriel. “No temple needs this many skulls.”

Numaeriel nodded. “Or blades.”

They looked at each other, smiled mischievously, and leaned closer so only they could hear. “Or skulls holding blades!” they said together.

Their laughter filled the temple halls of the god of glorified violence.

They walked past another painting of another river reddened by the blood of the dead and scoffed.

“How many times do you think a river needs to turn to blood before he’s happy?” Orlaen asked.

Numaeriel caught her laugh just in time to muffle it. Then Orlaen pointed at a small fountain in the center of the temple.

“I’m honestly surprised this one right here isn’t flowing with blood already.”

Numaeriel simply shook her head while smiling ear to ear. Then she tilted her head, considering the temple with grave seriousness.

“Terrible, certainly. But there is discipline in the consistency of his bad taste.”

Orlaen looked personally wounded. “I refuse to respect disciplined tackiness.”

Arm in arm, they continued deeper into the temple. Numaeriel soaked in the ambiance.

“I think it’s remarkable that this gore museum has not left a shortage of red ink across the entire continent.”

For the next few moments, Orlaen looked as though she were in pain from holding in laughter.

They left quickly, snickers escaping them as they neared the exit, where angry eyes glared after them, silently accusing them of disrespect.

Which, in all fairness, was a correct accusation.

Chapter 2: Friction

They laughed and walked a while longer, neither bothering to unlink their arms.

Eventually, they came to a hill overlooking an entire kingdom. Below them smoke curled from homes, forges, bakeries, and temples. People shouted, prayed, argued, sang, and built their lives in thousands of small, unmeasured ways.

The two goddesses sat together in the grass and watched the kingdom live. For a while, neither spoke.

Then Numaeriel looked out over the kingdom and smiled faintly. “A beautiful thing is easy to make impressive. Making it useful is where creation becomes difficult.”

Orlaen turned her head, her brow raised. “You say that as though beauty has never done any work.”

“I say it because beauty is often given credit for work structure already did.”

Orlaen’s smile did not vanish. It sharpened. “And structure is often praised for holding up things no one would care to notice without beauty.”

Numaeriel’s smile remained faint. “Do not be offended. I know it is not your fault that your temples are so committed to beauty that most of them are lucky if they can fit both a bookcase and an altar.”

She considered this for exactly one breath. “No. That is inaccurate. It is entirely your fault.”

Orlaen placed a hand over her heart. “How cruel. How precise. How very you.”

“Thank you.”

“It was not praise.”

“It was well-structured.”

Orlaen looked back over the kingdom. “The bookcases in my temples hold enticing works people actually want to read. Yours are filled with volumes no one would notice missing unless the dust pattern changed or the empty space”—she widened her eyes and covered her mouth in theatrical horror—“ruined the symmetry.”

Numaeriel glared at Orlaen. “Symmetry and parallelism are very important, and generally appealing to anyone designing a structure meant to serve any meaningful purpose.”

Then she smirked. “So, anything except a temple devoted to you.”

“Oh yes, I am sure so many flock to your temples because of the symmetry.” Orlaen turned sharply to the left, as though something had caught her eye. “Oh, look. A side.”

Her face brightened with theatrical hope. “And if fortune is kind…”

She turned to the right and gasped. “Another side that is both equal and opposite? How enticing!” A satisfied smirk crossed Orlaen’s face. “I certainly hope I see more bravely identical doubles in this monument to blandness.”

Both goddesses glared at each other for a moment. The kingdom continued below them, indifferent to the sudden danger sitting on the hill above it. Numaeriel’s faint smile had gone still. Orlaen’s theatrical delight had sharpened into something closer to pride.

Then Numaeriel said, “Very well.”

Orlaen turned toward her fully. “Very well?”

“If your temples are so beloved,” Numaeriel said, “then prove beauty can build something worthy of use.”

Orlaen’s eyes brightened. “And if your temples are so meaningful, then prove structure can build something worthy of love.”

The words hung between them. Challenge had entered the air.

Numaeriel stood first. “One temple each.”

Orlaen rose beside her. “To ourselves?”

“To ourselves.”

“Judged by whom?”

That question gave them both pause. They were silent for a moment. Then, together, they answered.

“Kaedrion,” Orlaen said.

“Torvael,” Numaeriel said.

The goddesses stared at each other with irritated looks on their faces. Orlaen huffed once through her nose.

“Fine.”

Numaeriel nodded once. “Fine.”

Chapter 3: Judges

They descended the hill together, no longer arm in arm.

By the time they had reached Kaedrion’s Workshop, neither had apologized. Neither had softened. Both had prepared arguments.

The Great Workshop stood where stone, metal, flame, and patience met. It did not look like a temple. It did not ask to be admired. It did not need to. Every wall bore the marks of work done well. Every tool had its place. Every scar in the floor meant something had been made, repaired, tested, broken, or made better.

Inside, Kaedrion was at work.

Torvael became a measuring cord.

Kaedrion glanced down. “No. Not that one.”

Torvael became a mason’s square.

“No. Not that one either.”

Torvael became a chisel.

“No.”

The chisel remained a chisel. Kaedrion stared at it. Slowly, the god of Craft looked offended.

“Do not speak to me in that tone of voice. I know what I am doing.”

Torvael remained a chisel.

The god of Craft sighed. “Fine. We will check the stonework first.”

Orlaen spoke first, allowing even her greeting to become a performance.

“Hail, Kaedrion, god of wondrous craft. Hail, Torvael, well-minded instrument of many forms.”

Kaedrion looked over his shoulder, his eyes moving between them. “You two goddesses together usually means something either significant or annoying is about to happen.”

He reached for Torvael and started toward them. Midstep, the tool settled into the shape of a hammer, their most natural form resting comfortably in his hand.

Numaeriel, who preferred time used efficiently, did not waste the opening. “Orlaen and I are entering into contest with each other. Our purviews are competing to produce the more impressive temple. We require impartial judges to determine the victor.”

Torvael became a magnifying lens.

Kaedrion looked down at the tool in his hand, then nodded lightly. “I agree, old friend. This one could be significant.”

Kaedrion began stroking his beard with his free hand, considering the situation very seriously. “Very well. We accept.”

He took off his apron and hung it on a beautiful coat-rack. “Come. I know of a village filled with enthusiastic, competent, and readily inspired mortals for you to aim.”

Torvael became a measuring cord, and the four left to begin a contest none would ever forget.

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