1. EXT. RIVERBANK DAY
ADAM STANDS, FORLORN, STARING AT THE RIVER. PIPE, UNLIT, IN HIS HAND.
2. INT. CLARE’S CAR DAY
CLARE, DRIVING AND MATT SEE ADAM AS THEY PASS.
CLARE
To find true love and lose it, in a matter of hours. Terrible.
MATT
The poor sod didn’t even get any sex.
CLARE IS ABOUT TO REBUKE HIM, CHANGES HER MIND, AND GIVES HIM A GLARE.
3. EXT. RIVERBANK DAY
ADAM WATCHES THE IMAGE OF LUCY APPEAR IN THE RIVER. SHE REACHES OUT FOR HIM. THE IMAGE SLOWLY DISAPPEARS. ADAM SIGHS DEEPLY, LIGHTS HIS PIPE AND WALKS AWAY.
4. INT. HOUSE KITCHEN DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE WASH AND DRY THE DISHES.
ROSIE
What did she see in him?
MAGGIE
Love can be a mystery.
ROSIE
He is so old!
MAGGIE
What are you saying? Love becomes an alien concept when you reach fifty?
ROSIE
No-o. She was young and pretty. You’d think she could have found a younger man.
AMY AND RICHARD ENTER.
AMY
Maggie, Rosie, I would like to introduce you to my husband Richard.
MAGGIE AND ROSIE SHAKE HANDS WITH RICHARD.
RICHARD
I am pleased to meet you.
AMY
As Mo is on leave, and we have not yet found a replacement, Richard will fill her role.
MAGGIE
Oh.
AMY
I have told him what is expected.
ROSIE
Welcome on board Richard.
AMY LOOKS AT HER WATCH.
AMY
I have to go. I shall show you your office Richard.
EXIT AMY AND RICHARED.
ROSIE
A man as a matron, eh? This is going to be easy.
5. INT. FLAT LOUNGE DAY
GLEN STANDS IN FRONT OF A MIRROR CHECKING HIS NEAT SUIT. HE BRUSHES HIS HAIR AND SMOOTHES HIS FACE.
HE OPENS HIS DRINKS CABINET, WHICH IS FILLED WITH BOTTLES OF ALCOHOL.
GLEN
Sorry my boys. Down the drain you go. I want my girl back.
6. INT. HOUSE GEORGIA’S ROOM DAY
GEORGIA IS HANGING POSTERS ON THE WALL WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
GEORGIA
Come in!
CHRISTINE ENTERS.
CHRISTINE
Hi. It’s Georgia is it? I’m Christine.
GEORGIA
Hi. I saw you earlier.
CHRISTINE
I’m the house Head Girl. If you have any problem you can come to me.
GEORGIA
Thanks. I’m fine at the mo. What happened to the girl who used to be here? I was suddenly given her place.
CHRISTINE
Oh Antoinette. Expelled.
GEORGIA
What did she do?
CHRISTINE
She was a fool. What is this?
CHRISTINE PICKS UP A WIG. UNDER THE WIG IS ANOTHER ONE.
CHRISTINE
Another one! Are you from a theatrical family or something?
GEORGIA
No, no no. I like wearing them.
CHRISTINE
Why?
GEORGIA
A different hairstyle and colour every day.
CHRISTINE
You could just dye it.
GEORGIA
I prefer wigs. It doesn’t damage your hair.
CHRISTINE PUTS ON A WIG THE WRONG WAY AROUND. BOTH GIRLS BURST OUT LAUGHING.
7. INT. SHED DAY
SOPHIE AND COSMO SIT IN GLEN’S OLD DEN.
COSMO
I could rig up something here. Interesting.
SOPHIE
A bed would be nice.
SOPHIE LOOKS AT THE REMNANTS OF GLEN’S BED.
SOPHIE
You could make us a love nest.
COSMO
There is space for a computer here.
SOPHIE
Don’t talk computers now.
COSMO
I love computers.
SOPHIE
I’ll give you something that you will love more.
HIDDEN, ALEXANDRA AND CHARLOTTE WATCH AND TRY TO LISTEN IN.
ALEXANDRA
What are they doing?
CHARLOTTE
He is such a nerd!
ALEXANDRA
Come on! Kiss him!
CHARLOTTE
Shhh.
SOPHIE HOLDS UP A BLANKET.
SOPHIE
We could use this. It’s perfect.
COSMO WALKS TOWARDS THE OLD WARDROBE.
COSMO
What’s this then?
SOPHIE FOLLOWS HIM.
SOPHIE
What are you doing?
COSMO OPENS THE WARDROBE DOOR, REVEALING GLEN’S STACK OF FOOD.
COSMO
Excellent!
SOPHIE
Cool!
ALEXANDRA AND CHARLOTTE CRANE THEIR HEADS TO SEE THEM.
CHARLOTTE
Now grab him and kiss him!
ALEXANDRA GIGGLES.
SOPHIE
Kiss me.
COSMO
Kiss you?
SOPHIE
Like this.
SOPHIE PUTS A SMACKER ON HIS MOUTH. ALEXANDRA AND SOPHIE SIGH. COSMO IS TOTALLY TAKEN ABACK BY SOPHIE’S ACTION.
8. INT. RECEPTION DAY
MATT AND CLARE ENTER. CLARE SWITCHES THE LIGHT ON. WITH A SPLAT THE BULB DIES. WITH A HUM ALL THE OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT STOPS.
CLARE
Oh no!
MATT
That’s the trip switch!
CLARE
Do something!
MATT
Actually …
CLARE
What?
MATT
I say its perfect timing …
CLARE LOOKS AT HIM IN PUZZLEMENT. MATT TAKES A DEEP BREATH.
MATT
… For a bit of rumpy-pumpy.
CLARE
Excuse me?
MATT
Well, look at it like this …
CLARE
I am not looking at it at all!!
MATT
Why not?
MATT STEPS FORWARD AND HUGS HER.
MATT
I would love to investigate more.
CLARE ANGRILY STEPS BACK.
CLARE
Have you gone insane!
MATT
What is the matter with you!
CLARE
There is nothing the matter with me! It’s you!!
MATT
There is nothing wrong with me! Why are you so hell bent against us!
CLARE IS AGHAST.
MATT
We have known each other long enough. How long are you going to keep me waiting!
CLARE
Get out!
MATT
No! I need to know why you don’t want me!
CLARE
I said, get out!!
MATT
No Clare. What happened to Mr Parson could happen to us. Think about it!
CLARE
Don’t be so stupid. I’m not going to drop dead!
MATT
You can never be sure and anyway, what we have is special!
CLARE
Well …
MATT
Don’t you think we make a good couple?
CLARE
Well, yes, I suppose so.
MATT
What’s the big issue here then!!
CLARE SIGHS DEEPLY.
CLARE
The problem? All right then!
CLARE GLARES AT MATT. MATT WAITS WITH ABATED BREATH.
CLARE
You have never even kissed me.
MATT SIGHS WITH RELIEF.
MATT
We can solve that right now. Come here.
MATT TAKES CLARE IN HIS ARMS AND KISSES HER SOFTLY.
MATT
That was lovely.
CLARE
Yes, it was.
MATT
Well? What about the next step?
CLARE
There is something else that you need to know.
9. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
THE DOORBELL RINGS. RICHARD EXITS HIS OFFICE AND OPENS THE DOOR.
GLEN
Thank you.
RICHARD STOPS GLEN FROM ENTERING.
RICHARD
And you are?
GLEN
Oh, I am sorry. Miller. Glen Miller.
RICHARD
Identification?
GLEN
I beg your pardon?
RICHARD
Please, identify yourself. For all I know you could be an intruder.
GLEN
For goodness sake man! I am an English teacher! I need to see Christine Moore about her work!
RICHARD
If you can show me some proof.
GLEN
What proof!
RICHARD
Identification!
GLEN
I haven’t got any! You have to take my word for it!
RICHARD
No identification, no entrance.
GLEN SEES THAT RICHARD MEANS IT AND HE FURIOUSLY TURNS AND WALKS AWAY.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
GRINDHIRST SCHOOL, THE WINTER TERM SYNOPSIS
The Winter Term has six episodes which I will post again in five or six segments per episode at the time. The following is the synopsis as what roughly will happen during the term.
During the winter term, Adam sees Lucy's image everywhere. Feeling lonely at his home, he moves in with Glen. Finding a photograph, he discovers what Lucy demands from him. He succeeds in withstanding Georgia's charms, suspects that Richard is a wife beater and with Cosmo plants listening devices in Amy's apartment. He gets involved with Glen's arrest and in setting up photographer Tom Smith.
Glen, unsuccessful in getting Christine back, enters an affair with Georgia. Christine, having unsatisfactory relations with boys her age, wins him back. Glen gets involved in a bedroom farce with Georgia, Christine, Matt and Adam. He gets arrested for drink driving and punching a PC.
Christine and Georgia become best friend unbeknown to each other that they both have an affair with Glen. They get involved with Glen's arrest. Georgia, never having been withstood by a man, remains fixated on Adam, putting him in tricky situations.
During a blizzard, Amy provokes Glen into admitting his affair with Christine and is overheard by several students. Amy loses Alexandra during a cross country race, gets blamed for head lice and gets pregnant but loses the baby when Richard beats her up severely.
Richard discovers the listening devices planted by Cosmo, foiling Adam's plan. Maggie and Rosie resolve Richard's laundry troubles and Alexandra's Valentines cards problem. They also get involved with Cosmo's tarantula and help Glen and Adam to set up Tom Smith. Rosie gets a false pregnancy alarm and discovers hard-core pornographic pictures in Richard's office leading to his arrest.
Matt, discovering that Clare is a virgin, seeks Glen and Adam's advice. The problem is resolved. Tom Smith's arrival during the cross-country rocks the boat and their relationship is broken off. Clare's perceived pregnancy brings them back together. However, Clare has entered the menopause.
Cosmo helps Adam remove a pornographic computer file that Adam accidentally entered when searching for Lucy's true identity. Cosmo plays the Ouija game with Sophie, Alexandra and Charlotte, where they see Lucy's image in a mirror and he find hard-core porn on Richard's laptop.
Charlotte thinks that she is pregnant by Cosmo as he is cheating on her with Alexandra. Her false pregnancy is a hormonal problem. When Charlotte finds out about Cosmo's cheating, she tries to commit suicide. As Silver Birch girls party, Mo returns from leave.
So, a lot is happening in this term and I hope that you enjoy reading the script.
During the winter term, Adam sees Lucy's image everywhere. Feeling lonely at his home, he moves in with Glen. Finding a photograph, he discovers what Lucy demands from him. He succeeds in withstanding Georgia's charms, suspects that Richard is a wife beater and with Cosmo plants listening devices in Amy's apartment. He gets involved with Glen's arrest and in setting up photographer Tom Smith.
Glen, unsuccessful in getting Christine back, enters an affair with Georgia. Christine, having unsatisfactory relations with boys her age, wins him back. Glen gets involved in a bedroom farce with Georgia, Christine, Matt and Adam. He gets arrested for drink driving and punching a PC.
Christine and Georgia become best friend unbeknown to each other that they both have an affair with Glen. They get involved with Glen's arrest. Georgia, never having been withstood by a man, remains fixated on Adam, putting him in tricky situations.
During a blizzard, Amy provokes Glen into admitting his affair with Christine and is overheard by several students. Amy loses Alexandra during a cross country race, gets blamed for head lice and gets pregnant but loses the baby when Richard beats her up severely.
Richard discovers the listening devices planted by Cosmo, foiling Adam's plan. Maggie and Rosie resolve Richard's laundry troubles and Alexandra's Valentines cards problem. They also get involved with Cosmo's tarantula and help Glen and Adam to set up Tom Smith. Rosie gets a false pregnancy alarm and discovers hard-core pornographic pictures in Richard's office leading to his arrest.
Matt, discovering that Clare is a virgin, seeks Glen and Adam's advice. The problem is resolved. Tom Smith's arrival during the cross-country rocks the boat and their relationship is broken off. Clare's perceived pregnancy brings them back together. However, Clare has entered the menopause.
Cosmo helps Adam remove a pornographic computer file that Adam accidentally entered when searching for Lucy's true identity. Cosmo plays the Ouija game with Sophie, Alexandra and Charlotte, where they see Lucy's image in a mirror and he find hard-core porn on Richard's laptop.
Charlotte thinks that she is pregnant by Cosmo as he is cheating on her with Alexandra. Her false pregnancy is a hormonal problem. When Charlotte finds out about Cosmo's cheating, she tries to commit suicide. As Silver Birch girls party, Mo returns from leave.
So, a lot is happening in this term and I hope that you enjoy reading the script.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Episode Five: The Winter Ball (part five)
34. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
MATT, BEHIND THE BAR, GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO MAGGIE AND ROSIE, WHO ARE WAITRESSING.
MATT
Always say please and thank you. Never leave a glass empty. Keep your eyes peeled for guests arriving and welcome them in. You’ve got that?
MAGGIE AND ROSIE NOD.
MATT
Good. Now go to your positions.
MAGGIE AND ROSIE WALK AWAY.
MATT
And serve the youngsters lemonade. We don’t want any trouble.
CLARE ENTERS DRESSED IN HER BEST OUTFIT. SHE SURVEYS THE ARIA AND LOOKS IN AMAZEMENT AT HER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. THEY HAVE GOLD AND SILVER DECORATIONS ON THEM AND THEY LOOK FABULOUS. PUZZLED SHE WALKS TO THE BAR AND TAKES HER PLACE BY THE FOOD COUNTER.
MATT
Well?
CLARE
Well what?
MATT
Your flower arrangements!
CLARE
You did this?
MATT
Someone hung peanuts in their shells out for the birds. As if they would know what that’s for … Anyway, I put my thinking cap on. What do you think?
CLARE
I don’t know what to say! They are looking absolutely great!
CUT TO MAGGIE AND ROSIE. ROSIE POINTS AT THE GOLD AND SILVER DECORATIONS ON THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
ROSIE
Those are your peanuts!
MAGGIE
Don’t be daft. They can’t be!
GUESTS BEGIN TO ARRIVE AND MAGGIE AND ROSIE HURRY TOWARDS THEM AND WELCOME THEM IN. THE SCHOOL BAND BEGINS TO PLAY.
CUT TO MATT AND CLARE.
MATT
I took the peanuts out, painted the shells silver, the nuts gold and arranged the nuts and shells with the flowers.
CLARE
Goodness! You did a grand job!
MATT
Am I forgiven?
CHARLOTTE, SOPHIE AND ALEXANDRA, DRESSED IN THEIR MOST REVEALING DRESSES, ENTER.
ALEXANDRA
I don’t know what happened to the laptop. Maybe this time it was really stolen.
THE OTHER BOYS AND GIRLS BOARDING AT THE SCHOOL ENTER. CHRISTINE IS THE LAST TO ENTER. ROBIN, THE BURSAR, FOLLOWS HER IN AND MAKES HIS WAY TO THE BAR.
BURSAR
Is everything alright Matt?
MATT
It’s all in hand Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
Good, good. Wait for the sign.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARRIVE. MAGGIE WELCOMES THEM IN AND TAKES THEIR COATS. ROSIE GOES ROUND WITH GLASSES OF DRINKS ON A TRAY. GUESTS MINGLE.
35. EXT. OLD HOUSE NIGHT
ADAM AND LUCY, ENTWINED, MAKE THEIR WAY SLOWLY TOWARDS THE OLD HOUSE. IT BEGINS TO SNOW.
ADAM
Damn stuff!
LUCY
Don’t.
ADAM
I wont. Nothing can spoil my happiness.
LUCY
Are you ready to face them?
ADAM
Ready to face the devil if need be.
THEY STOP AND KISS TENDERLY.
36. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA NIGHT
JOSEPHINE AND BEATRICE SIT ON THE SOFA. AMY SWITCHES THE TV ON.
AMY
Now listen. Not a peep out of you two. I will be in my apartment if you need me.
JOSEPHINE
Yes Mrs Short.
AMY WALKS TOWARDS HER APARTMENT AND ENTERS.
37. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE NIGHT
AMY ENTERS AND UNCORKS A BOTTLE OF WINE. SHE SITS DOWN, POURS SOME WINE IN A GLASS AND, WITH A DEEP SIGH, RELAXES.
38. INT. FLAT LOUNGE NIGHT
GLEN DRESSES FOR THE BALL. AN EMPTY BOTTLE OF BRANDY STANDS BESIDE A HALF FULL ONE. HE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH HIS TIE AND IMPATIENTLY HE SWIGS FROM THE BOTTLE.
39. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
MATT WALKS TOWARDS THE PODIUM. HE TAPS THE MICROPHONE. THE GUESTS STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND LOOK AT THE PODIUM. THE BURSAR STEPS FORWARD AND TAKES HIS PLACE BY THE MICROPHONE. MATT STEPS BACK.
BURSAR
Ladies and Gentlemen! In the Headmaster’s absence I wish to welcome you to the Winter Ball.
THE GUESTS APPLAUD.
BURSAR
Thank you. Thank you. It is a pleasure to see you all in such good form. Now, I should apologies for all the recent upsets. This was, of course, never my intention. An over zealous clerk misread my instructions and sent out the wrong information. There will be no increase to the school fees. I have sacked the person responsible for creating such trouble.
APPLAUSE AND CHEERS. LUCY AND ADAM GIVE EACH OTHER A LOOK.
ADAM
An over zealous clerk? My foot!
LUCY
Shhhh.
BURSAR
It is with great pleasure that I can declare this term to have been one of the best. There were no unforeseen problems, no upheavals and no unnecessary redundancies.
APPLAUSE.
SOPHIE
He seems to have forgotten about the fire drill.
CHARLOTTE
And the collapsed ceiling in our dorm.
ALEXANDRA
And that disastrous school trip on the moors.
BURSAR
… And I would like to thank Mr Baker for all his hard work in keeping the school upright …
LAUGHTER. MATT TAKES A BOW.
BURSAR
… Miss Frump for looking after reception …
CLARE BLUSHES TO APPLAUSE AND LOOKS SHYLY AWAY.
BURSAR
… And thank you students for your exemplary behaviour!
APPLAUSE. THE STUDENTS TAKE A BOW.
BURSAR
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, eat and drink and be merry. Thank you!
CHEERS AND APPLAUSE. THE BAND BEGINS TO PLAY. GUESTS EAT, DRINK AND DANCE. MATT IS BUSY BEHIND THE BAR. CLARE HELPS GUESTS SELECT FOOD. MAGGIE AND ROSIE KEEP GLASSES FILLED.
LUCY
Such a wonderful do.
ADAM
It wouldn’t be the same without you. You know that don’t you?
LUCY
Mr Parson … I love you.
ADAM
And you, Miss Brown, have made me the happiest man on earth.
ENTER GLEN, DRUNK AND IN DISARRAY.
40. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE NIGHT.
AMY HAS FALLEN ASLEEP. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR THAT WAKES AMY. SHE LOOKS AT HER WATCH, AS THERE IS ANOTHER KNOCK.
AMY
I’m coming!
SHE RISES FROM THE SOFA AND QUICKLY CHECKS HER APPEARANCE IN THE MIRROR. THERE IS ANOTHER, IMPATIENT, KNOCK.
AMY
Hold on!
AMY WALKS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT.
AMY
Will you two ever …
AMY OPENS HER EYES WIDE IN SHOCK.
RICHARD
Surprise!
AMY
Richard!!
41. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
GLEN IS CREATING HAVOC. HE SEES FLEAS EVERYWHERE. HE DESPERATELY TRIES TO FREE GUESTS OF THEIR FLEAS. HE PULLS THEM FROM PEOPLE’S HEADS, DRESSES AND SUITS. THE GUESTS ARE HORRIFIED BY HIS BEHAVIOUR. GLEN’S BEHAVIOUR APPALLS CHRISTINE.
BURSAR
Matt! Remove him!
MATT WALKS TOWARDS GLEN WHO IS MOVING TOWARDS CHRISTINE.
GLEN
What’s the matter with those people? Can’t they see that it is an infestation?
CHRISTINE
Stop making a fool of yourself!
GLEN
Fool? Me? They are the fools!
MATT
Come with me Mr Miller.
GLEN TURNS AND SCREAMS.
GLEN
You are full of the sodden things!!
CHRISTINE
Come on Glen … Back to your flat.
GLEN
Are you coming with me?
CHRISTINE
Of course I am. Come on.
MATT
Come with me Mr Miller. Slowly goes.
MATT AND CHRISTINE TAKE GLEN AWAY. ADAM LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
ADAM
This had to happen. Damn fool spoils everything. Let’s retire to my place.
LUCY
I quickly need to use the loo first.
ADAM
I shall get our coats. We can leave at the back, what?
LUCY
Meet you there.
42. EXT THE OLD HOUSE NIGHT
MATT AND CHRISTINE ESCORT GLEN OUTSIDE.
CHRISTINE
I can handle it from here Mr Baker.
MATT
I’m sure that you can.
CHRISTINE WAITS FOR MATT TO RETURN INSIDE.
GLEN
Come with me my darling. I’ve had enough.
CHRISTINE TURNS FURIOUS TO HIM.
CHRISTINE
You’ve had enough!! You blithering idiot! Do you think for one moment that I care!! The way you humiliated me in public!! I never want to see you again!! You hear!! Never!!
GLEN
But darling!
CHRISTINE
No buts Glen!! You are a drunk and you stink! You can go to hell!!
CHRISTINE ANGRLILY STOMPS AWAY, LEAVING GLEN DUMBFOUNDED. HE DRUNKENLY STAGGERS AFTER HER.
GLEN
Chrissie! Eh Chrissie!!!
HE SLIPS ON THE SNOW AND COLLAPSES IN A HEAP.
43. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
MATT RETURNS BEHIND THE BAR.
CLARE
He made a total fool of himself. He should be sacked immediately.
MATT
Yes. Yes. Clare?
CLARE
Yes?
MATT PUTS ONE KNEE ON THE FLOOR.
MATT
Will you marry me?
CLARE IS ASTONISHED. SHE LOOKS AROUND TO SEE IF PEOPLE ARE WATCHING.
CLARE
Get up silly. This is not getting you back in my good books either.
MATT
But …
CLARE
For now, the answer is no. Besides I have plans for the holiday and marriage is not one of them.
MATT
But Clare, please!
CLARE
You may try again next year.
ADAM MAKES HIS WAY TO THE TOILET AREA WITH TWO COATS HANGING OVER HIS ARMS WHEN THE BURSAR STOPS HIM.
BURSAR
Ah, Adam. A word.
44. INT. LADIES TOILETS NIGHT
LUCY IS REPAIRING HER MAKE-UP IN FRONT OF A MIRROR WHEN SHE HEARS THE DOOR OPEN.
LUCY
Don’t be so impatient. A woman needs time to prepare herself for her man.
WITH A SMILE, LUCY TURNS AROUND.
45. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
THE BAND PLAYS. GUESTS EAT, DRINK AND ARE MERRY. MATT, HUMBLED BY REJECTION, SERVES DRINKS BEHIND THE BAR. CLARE HELPS GUESTS WITH THEIR CHOICES FOR FOOD. MAGGIE AND ROSIE KEEP GLASSES FILLED. THE STUDENTS ARE HAVING FUN. SOPHIE IS DANCING WITH COSMO.
ALEXANDRA
Her bum does look big in that dress.
CHARLOTTE
She stuffed her knickers with tissue.
ADAM TAKES HIS LEAVE FROM THE BURSAR.
ADAM
I’m glad this is sorted Robin.
BURSAR
All the best Adam. Have a great holiday.
ADAM
It’s never too late to find true love, what?
BURSAR
I expect an invitation to the wedding soon.
ADAM SMILES AND GIVES THE BURSAR A WAVE WHILST MAKING HIS WAY TO THE LADIES TOILETS.
46. INT. CORRIDOR NIGHT
ADAM WALKS WITH A BIG SMILE TOWARDS THE LADIES TOILETS. A SECURITY GUARD MAKES HIS WAY TOWARDS HIM.
ADAM
A good show, what?
THE SECURITY GUARD SMILES AT ADAM AND PASSES. ADAM REACHES THE LADIES TOILET AND KNOCKS AT THE DOOR. HE WAITS AND KNOCKS AGAIN.
ADAM
Lucy? … Lucy, are you decent? … May I come in?
ADAM LISTENS AND HESITANTLY OPENS THE DOOR.
47. INT. LADIES TOILET NIGHT
ADAM HESITANTLY ENTERS. LUCY LIES ON THE FLOOR. SHE HAS BEEN SHOT. ADAM KNEELS IN SHOCK BESIDE HER AND LIFTS HER IN A SITTING POSITION. LUCY’S EYES OPEN AND SHE REACHES OUT FOR HIM.
ADAM
Somebody!!! Call an ambulance!!!!!
WITH A DEEP SIGH, LUCY DIES AND A PHOTOGRAPH SLIPS FROM HER HAND.
WITH A LOW, ANIMAL LIKE MOAN, ADAM CRADLES LUCY IN HIS ARMS.
END OF EPISODE FIVE
END OF THE AUTUMN TERM
THE SCHOOL IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND EPISODE SIX IS THE OPENING EPISODE OF ‘THE WINTER TERM’.
WE WILL MEET GEORGIA, WHO REPLACES ANTOINETTE AND WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT RICHARD, AMY’S HUSBAND, AND COSMO, GEORGIA’S BROTHER.
MATT, BEHIND THE BAR, GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO MAGGIE AND ROSIE, WHO ARE WAITRESSING.
MATT
Always say please and thank you. Never leave a glass empty. Keep your eyes peeled for guests arriving and welcome them in. You’ve got that?
MAGGIE AND ROSIE NOD.
MATT
Good. Now go to your positions.
MAGGIE AND ROSIE WALK AWAY.
MATT
And serve the youngsters lemonade. We don’t want any trouble.
CLARE ENTERS DRESSED IN HER BEST OUTFIT. SHE SURVEYS THE ARIA AND LOOKS IN AMAZEMENT AT HER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. THEY HAVE GOLD AND SILVER DECORATIONS ON THEM AND THEY LOOK FABULOUS. PUZZLED SHE WALKS TO THE BAR AND TAKES HER PLACE BY THE FOOD COUNTER.
MATT
Well?
CLARE
Well what?
MATT
Your flower arrangements!
CLARE
You did this?
MATT
Someone hung peanuts in their shells out for the birds. As if they would know what that’s for … Anyway, I put my thinking cap on. What do you think?
CLARE
I don’t know what to say! They are looking absolutely great!
CUT TO MAGGIE AND ROSIE. ROSIE POINTS AT THE GOLD AND SILVER DECORATIONS ON THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
ROSIE
Those are your peanuts!
MAGGIE
Don’t be daft. They can’t be!
GUESTS BEGIN TO ARRIVE AND MAGGIE AND ROSIE HURRY TOWARDS THEM AND WELCOME THEM IN. THE SCHOOL BAND BEGINS TO PLAY.
CUT TO MATT AND CLARE.
MATT
I took the peanuts out, painted the shells silver, the nuts gold and arranged the nuts and shells with the flowers.
CLARE
Goodness! You did a grand job!
MATT
Am I forgiven?
CHARLOTTE, SOPHIE AND ALEXANDRA, DRESSED IN THEIR MOST REVEALING DRESSES, ENTER.
ALEXANDRA
I don’t know what happened to the laptop. Maybe this time it was really stolen.
THE OTHER BOYS AND GIRLS BOARDING AT THE SCHOOL ENTER. CHRISTINE IS THE LAST TO ENTER. ROBIN, THE BURSAR, FOLLOWS HER IN AND MAKES HIS WAY TO THE BAR.
BURSAR
Is everything alright Matt?
MATT
It’s all in hand Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
Good, good. Wait for the sign.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARRIVE. MAGGIE WELCOMES THEM IN AND TAKES THEIR COATS. ROSIE GOES ROUND WITH GLASSES OF DRINKS ON A TRAY. GUESTS MINGLE.
35. EXT. OLD HOUSE NIGHT
ADAM AND LUCY, ENTWINED, MAKE THEIR WAY SLOWLY TOWARDS THE OLD HOUSE. IT BEGINS TO SNOW.
ADAM
Damn stuff!
LUCY
Don’t.
ADAM
I wont. Nothing can spoil my happiness.
LUCY
Are you ready to face them?
ADAM
Ready to face the devil if need be.
THEY STOP AND KISS TENDERLY.
36. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA NIGHT
JOSEPHINE AND BEATRICE SIT ON THE SOFA. AMY SWITCHES THE TV ON.
AMY
Now listen. Not a peep out of you two. I will be in my apartment if you need me.
JOSEPHINE
Yes Mrs Short.
AMY WALKS TOWARDS HER APARTMENT AND ENTERS.
37. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE NIGHT
AMY ENTERS AND UNCORKS A BOTTLE OF WINE. SHE SITS DOWN, POURS SOME WINE IN A GLASS AND, WITH A DEEP SIGH, RELAXES.
38. INT. FLAT LOUNGE NIGHT
GLEN DRESSES FOR THE BALL. AN EMPTY BOTTLE OF BRANDY STANDS BESIDE A HALF FULL ONE. HE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH HIS TIE AND IMPATIENTLY HE SWIGS FROM THE BOTTLE.
39. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
MATT WALKS TOWARDS THE PODIUM. HE TAPS THE MICROPHONE. THE GUESTS STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND LOOK AT THE PODIUM. THE BURSAR STEPS FORWARD AND TAKES HIS PLACE BY THE MICROPHONE. MATT STEPS BACK.
BURSAR
Ladies and Gentlemen! In the Headmaster’s absence I wish to welcome you to the Winter Ball.
THE GUESTS APPLAUD.
BURSAR
Thank you. Thank you. It is a pleasure to see you all in such good form. Now, I should apologies for all the recent upsets. This was, of course, never my intention. An over zealous clerk misread my instructions and sent out the wrong information. There will be no increase to the school fees. I have sacked the person responsible for creating such trouble.
APPLAUSE AND CHEERS. LUCY AND ADAM GIVE EACH OTHER A LOOK.
ADAM
An over zealous clerk? My foot!
LUCY
Shhhh.
BURSAR
It is with great pleasure that I can declare this term to have been one of the best. There were no unforeseen problems, no upheavals and no unnecessary redundancies.
APPLAUSE.
SOPHIE
He seems to have forgotten about the fire drill.
CHARLOTTE
And the collapsed ceiling in our dorm.
ALEXANDRA
And that disastrous school trip on the moors.
BURSAR
… And I would like to thank Mr Baker for all his hard work in keeping the school upright …
LAUGHTER. MATT TAKES A BOW.
BURSAR
… Miss Frump for looking after reception …
CLARE BLUSHES TO APPLAUSE AND LOOKS SHYLY AWAY.
BURSAR
… And thank you students for your exemplary behaviour!
APPLAUSE. THE STUDENTS TAKE A BOW.
BURSAR
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, eat and drink and be merry. Thank you!
CHEERS AND APPLAUSE. THE BAND BEGINS TO PLAY. GUESTS EAT, DRINK AND DANCE. MATT IS BUSY BEHIND THE BAR. CLARE HELPS GUESTS SELECT FOOD. MAGGIE AND ROSIE KEEP GLASSES FILLED.
LUCY
Such a wonderful do.
ADAM
It wouldn’t be the same without you. You know that don’t you?
LUCY
Mr Parson … I love you.
ADAM
And you, Miss Brown, have made me the happiest man on earth.
ENTER GLEN, DRUNK AND IN DISARRAY.
40. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE NIGHT.
AMY HAS FALLEN ASLEEP. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR THAT WAKES AMY. SHE LOOKS AT HER WATCH, AS THERE IS ANOTHER KNOCK.
AMY
I’m coming!
SHE RISES FROM THE SOFA AND QUICKLY CHECKS HER APPEARANCE IN THE MIRROR. THERE IS ANOTHER, IMPATIENT, KNOCK.
AMY
Hold on!
AMY WALKS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT.
AMY
Will you two ever …
AMY OPENS HER EYES WIDE IN SHOCK.
RICHARD
Surprise!
AMY
Richard!!
41. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
GLEN IS CREATING HAVOC. HE SEES FLEAS EVERYWHERE. HE DESPERATELY TRIES TO FREE GUESTS OF THEIR FLEAS. HE PULLS THEM FROM PEOPLE’S HEADS, DRESSES AND SUITS. THE GUESTS ARE HORRIFIED BY HIS BEHAVIOUR. GLEN’S BEHAVIOUR APPALLS CHRISTINE.
BURSAR
Matt! Remove him!
MATT WALKS TOWARDS GLEN WHO IS MOVING TOWARDS CHRISTINE.
GLEN
What’s the matter with those people? Can’t they see that it is an infestation?
CHRISTINE
Stop making a fool of yourself!
GLEN
Fool? Me? They are the fools!
MATT
Come with me Mr Miller.
GLEN TURNS AND SCREAMS.
GLEN
You are full of the sodden things!!
CHRISTINE
Come on Glen … Back to your flat.
GLEN
Are you coming with me?
CHRISTINE
Of course I am. Come on.
MATT
Come with me Mr Miller. Slowly goes.
MATT AND CHRISTINE TAKE GLEN AWAY. ADAM LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
ADAM
This had to happen. Damn fool spoils everything. Let’s retire to my place.
LUCY
I quickly need to use the loo first.
ADAM
I shall get our coats. We can leave at the back, what?
LUCY
Meet you there.
42. EXT THE OLD HOUSE NIGHT
MATT AND CHRISTINE ESCORT GLEN OUTSIDE.
CHRISTINE
I can handle it from here Mr Baker.
MATT
I’m sure that you can.
CHRISTINE WAITS FOR MATT TO RETURN INSIDE.
GLEN
Come with me my darling. I’ve had enough.
CHRISTINE TURNS FURIOUS TO HIM.
CHRISTINE
You’ve had enough!! You blithering idiot! Do you think for one moment that I care!! The way you humiliated me in public!! I never want to see you again!! You hear!! Never!!
GLEN
But darling!
CHRISTINE
No buts Glen!! You are a drunk and you stink! You can go to hell!!
CHRISTINE ANGRLILY STOMPS AWAY, LEAVING GLEN DUMBFOUNDED. HE DRUNKENLY STAGGERS AFTER HER.
GLEN
Chrissie! Eh Chrissie!!!
HE SLIPS ON THE SNOW AND COLLAPSES IN A HEAP.
43. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
MATT RETURNS BEHIND THE BAR.
CLARE
He made a total fool of himself. He should be sacked immediately.
MATT
Yes. Yes. Clare?
CLARE
Yes?
MATT PUTS ONE KNEE ON THE FLOOR.
MATT
Will you marry me?
CLARE IS ASTONISHED. SHE LOOKS AROUND TO SEE IF PEOPLE ARE WATCHING.
CLARE
Get up silly. This is not getting you back in my good books either.
MATT
But …
CLARE
For now, the answer is no. Besides I have plans for the holiday and marriage is not one of them.
MATT
But Clare, please!
CLARE
You may try again next year.
ADAM MAKES HIS WAY TO THE TOILET AREA WITH TWO COATS HANGING OVER HIS ARMS WHEN THE BURSAR STOPS HIM.
BURSAR
Ah, Adam. A word.
44. INT. LADIES TOILETS NIGHT
LUCY IS REPAIRING HER MAKE-UP IN FRONT OF A MIRROR WHEN SHE HEARS THE DOOR OPEN.
LUCY
Don’t be so impatient. A woman needs time to prepare herself for her man.
WITH A SMILE, LUCY TURNS AROUND.
45. INT. UNDER THE DOME NIGHT
THE BAND PLAYS. GUESTS EAT, DRINK AND ARE MERRY. MATT, HUMBLED BY REJECTION, SERVES DRINKS BEHIND THE BAR. CLARE HELPS GUESTS WITH THEIR CHOICES FOR FOOD. MAGGIE AND ROSIE KEEP GLASSES FILLED. THE STUDENTS ARE HAVING FUN. SOPHIE IS DANCING WITH COSMO.
ALEXANDRA
Her bum does look big in that dress.
CHARLOTTE
She stuffed her knickers with tissue.
ADAM TAKES HIS LEAVE FROM THE BURSAR.
ADAM
I’m glad this is sorted Robin.
BURSAR
All the best Adam. Have a great holiday.
ADAM
It’s never too late to find true love, what?
BURSAR
I expect an invitation to the wedding soon.
ADAM SMILES AND GIVES THE BURSAR A WAVE WHILST MAKING HIS WAY TO THE LADIES TOILETS.
46. INT. CORRIDOR NIGHT
ADAM WALKS WITH A BIG SMILE TOWARDS THE LADIES TOILETS. A SECURITY GUARD MAKES HIS WAY TOWARDS HIM.
ADAM
A good show, what?
THE SECURITY GUARD SMILES AT ADAM AND PASSES. ADAM REACHES THE LADIES TOILET AND KNOCKS AT THE DOOR. HE WAITS AND KNOCKS AGAIN.
ADAM
Lucy? … Lucy, are you decent? … May I come in?
ADAM LISTENS AND HESITANTLY OPENS THE DOOR.
47. INT. LADIES TOILET NIGHT
ADAM HESITANTLY ENTERS. LUCY LIES ON THE FLOOR. SHE HAS BEEN SHOT. ADAM KNEELS IN SHOCK BESIDE HER AND LIFTS HER IN A SITTING POSITION. LUCY’S EYES OPEN AND SHE REACHES OUT FOR HIM.
ADAM
Somebody!!! Call an ambulance!!!!!
WITH A DEEP SIGH, LUCY DIES AND A PHOTOGRAPH SLIPS FROM HER HAND.
WITH A LOW, ANIMAL LIKE MOAN, ADAM CRADLES LUCY IN HIS ARMS.
END OF EPISODE FIVE
END OF THE AUTUMN TERM
THE SCHOOL IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND EPISODE SIX IS THE OPENING EPISODE OF ‘THE WINTER TERM’.
WE WILL MEET GEORGIA, WHO REPLACES ANTOINETTE AND WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT RICHARD, AMY’S HUSBAND, AND COSMO, GEORGIA’S BROTHER.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Episode Five: The Winter Ball (part four)
28. INT. BURSARY DAY
ROBIN, THE BURSAR, SITS BEHIND HIS DESK. ROSIE AND MAGGIE SIT IN A CHAIR EACH OPPOSITE.
BURSAR
This is a serious breach of confidentiality.
MAGGIE
It shouldn’t happen Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
Indeed not.
ROSIE
The girls are horrible to us.
BURSAR
Right. Leave this with me.
ROBIN RISES AND SHOWS THEM TO THE DOOR. ROSIE AND MAGGIE WALK TO THE DOOR. ROSIE SUDDENLY STOPS.
ROSIE
One more thing, Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
And that is?
ROSIE
She was the one who blabbed about the extra ten thousand pounds!
BURSAR
What are you saying?
MAGGIE
Mrs Pitt spread the rumour.
BURSAR
Are you absolutely sure?
MAGGIE AND ROSIE LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND THEN NOD.
BURSAR
Have you any proof?
ROSIE
We heard her on the telephone.
BURSAR
Hearsay is not enough. You must provide me with solid proof or my hands are tied.
ANTOINETTE BURSTS INTO THE ROOM.
ANTOINETTE
I am their proof!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE STARTLED BY ANTOINETTE’S SUDDEN APPEARANCE.
BURSAR
Miss Vanderbeek!!
ANTOINETTE
I heard Mrs Pitt and I heard Maggie and Rosie discussing the problem!
BURSAR
It is still hearsay! Where is the proof!!
ANTOINETTE
Why should I lie!
BURSAR
In that case, why didn’t you do anything about it!
MO BURSTS INTO THE ROOM.
MO
She did something alright! She tried to blackmail me!! Have her expelled!
ANTOINETTE
You cow!
MO
Try to get out of that one!
BURSAR
Ladies!!
MO
She cot scared and blamed Matt!!
ANTOINETTE
I so did not!
ANTOINETTE TURNS TO THE BURSAR.
ANTOINETTE
She blamed Mr Baker! Rotten cow!!
MO
Bitch!
MO ATTACKS ANTOINETTE AND THEY BEGIN TO FIGHT.
BURSAR
Ladies! Ladies!
MAGGIE
Mo!!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE INTERVENE WITH THE FIGHTING AND GET INVOLVED. ENTER AMY.
AMY
What is going on!!
MO PULLS ANTOINETTE’S HAIR … MAGGIE TACKLES MO … MO GRABS ROSIE … ROSIE KICKS ANTOINETTE … ANTOINETTE HOLDS MO IN A STRANGLE HOLD … THE WOMEN ARE ROLLING AROUND … ANTOINETTE SCREAMS AS MO BITES HER.
THE BURSAR TURNS TO A FLABBERGASTED AMY.
BURSAR
Is this the way you run your house!!
29. INT. UNDER THE DOME DUSK
CLARE STRUGGLES TO ENTER THROUGH THE DOOR WITH HER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. ADAM IS SAMPLING THE WINE COLLECTION. HE PICKS UP HIS PIPE AND LIGHTS IT.
ADAM
Ah, Frump!
CLARE GIVES HIM A DIRTY LOOK.
CLARE
Don’t just stand there! Give me a hand!
ADAM TAKES SOME TRAYS AND PUTS THEM ON A TABLE. HE LOOKS IN DISMAY AT THE ARRANGEMENTS.
ADAM
Have you robbed a graveyard of its flowers?
CLARE
Don’t you start! I have had enough trouble as it is!
ADAM LOOKS AROUND THE AREA. HE WAVES HIS PIPE AROUND.
ADAM
Good show, what?
CLARE
It’s an embarrassment!
ADAM
What is my dear?
CLARE
This is!
GLEN ENTERS AND LOOKS IN AMAZEMENT AT THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
GLEN
Who died!
CLARE
Right!! That’s it!!
CLARE STORMS OFF.
CLARE
I shall leave the two of you with that problem!!
EXIT CLARE.
ADAM
What’s got into Frump?
GLEN SEES FLEAS.
GLEN
Oh no! Not here too!!
ADAM
What is the matter dear boy?
LUCY ENTERS.
LUCY
Adam!
ADAM TURNS.
ADAM
Oh, it’s you,
LUCY
Don’t be like that. I need to speak to you.
ADAM
We have said all that is necessary. Thank you!
ADAM TURNS HIS BACK TO HER AND PUFFS DISDAINFULLY ON HIS PIPE.
LUCY
I really, really need to speak to you.
ADAM IS DISTRACTED BY GLEN’S PECULIAR BEHAVIOUR. LUCY TAKES HIM BY THE ARM AND STEERS HIM TOWARDS THE HALIFAX ROOM. ADAM POINTS HIS PIPE AT GLEN.
ADAM
That man is seriously disturbed.
30. INT. HOUSE ANTOINETTE’S ROOM DUSK
ANTOINETTE IS PACKING HER BELONGINS INTO A TRUNK. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
ANTOINETTE
Go away Mrs Pitt cow!!
CHRISTINE, DRESSED FOR THE WINTER BALL, ENTERS.
CHRISTINE
What are you doing!
ANTOINETTE
Expelled.
CHRISTINE
Expelled! Why!
ANTOINETTE
I write on your wall on facebook why.
CHRISTINE
Tell me now.
ANTOINETTE
I have to go. My taxi is waiting.
CHRISTINE
What about the Ball!
ANTOINETTE
Stuff the Ball. I’m going home and will never return to this hellhole.
31. INT. HOUSE OFFICE DUSK
MO IS PACKING HER BELONGINGS IN A BLACK BINLINER. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
MO
Go away, whoever you are!!
ENTER AMY.
AMY
I am so sorry Mo.
MO
No you’re not!
AMY
I never meant to …
MO
Yes you did!!
AMY
You are, of course, always welcome to see the girls.
MO
I’m only on leave. I will be back soon.
AMY
Quite.
MO
Well I think that’s it.
MO LOOKS AROUND.
MO
And I wont be babysitting for you.
AMY
Pardon?
MO
Beatrice and Josephine. Remember?
EXIT MO, LEAVING AMY SHAKING HER HEAD IN DISDAIN.
32. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DUSK
MO WALKS OUT OF HER OFFICE CARRYING A BINLINER AS ANTOINETTE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS FOLLOWED BY THE TAXI DRIVER AND CHRISTINE CARRYING HER TRUNK. THE TWO WOMEN LOOK AT EACH OTHER SPITEFULLY.
ANTOINETTE
Make way please for my trunk.
MO
Get out of my way you spoiled brat.
MO STEPS FORWARD AS AT THE SAME TIME ANTOINETTE STEPS FORWARD. THEY ARE IN EACH OTHER’S WAY AND THERE IS A STRUGGLE FOR SPACE. FOLLOWING SOME ABRUPT MOVEMENTS ANTOINETTE TRIUMPHS. SHE EXITS, LEAVING A SEETHING MO IN HER WAKE.
33. INT. HALIFAX ROOM DUSK
ADAM, PIPE IN HAND, STROLLS AROUND THE ROOM. LUCY SITS ON A CHAIR.
ADAM
You know, I have always wondered why this house is under-used. Its possibilities are endless.
LUCY
You have to stop avoiding me.
ADAM
There are so many rooms.
LUCY
Adam, sit down.
ADAM
This room would make a perfect dining room.
LUCY
It used to be one.
ADAM
Really?
LUCY
I studied the house, as you well know.
ADAM
So you did.
LUCY RISES FROM HER CHAIR, WALKS TOWARDS ADAM, TAKES HIS ARM AND LEADS HIM TO A CHAIR.
LUCY
Sit down. We need to talk.
ADAM
I have nothing more to say.
LUCY
I do. Sit down.
RELUCTANTLY ADAM SITS DOWN.
LUCY
I’m sorry. I did not know that you had such feelings for me. If I had known I would never have behaved as I did.
ADAM
Good! That’s taken care of.
ADAM RISES FROM HIS CHAIR. LUCY PULLS HIM BACK DOWN.
LUCY
Why didn’t you tell me?
ADAM
A gentleman does not talk about such things.
LUCY
What nonsense!
ADAM
My dear girl. If I had been born around the same time as you, things would have been entirely different. I am a fifty-year-old man. What could you possibly see in me?
LUCY
I see a good friend.
ADAM RISES AND PACES THE ROOM, WAVING HIS PIPE AROUND.
ADAM
That’s exactly it. A good friend. No more. I shall tell you something Miss Brown. Over the years I have desired many women. Many. However, when I met you, somehow things were different. Feelings developed.
ADAM LOOKS ACCUSINGLY AT LUCY.
ADAM
I fought them … I fought them hard … I have never thought highly of the female species. I thought they were for sex only.
INDIGNANT LUCY RISES.
ADAM
Sit! And listen!
ADAM TAKES A LONG PULL ON HIS PIPE.
ADAM
When I asked you to marry me, I surprised myself.
LUCY
I don’t know what to say. I thought that your feelings were of a fatherly nature.
ADAM
Fatherly. Fatherly, indeed.
LUCY RISES.
LUCY
Please Adam …
ADAM
I have said enough.
ADAM TAKES LUCY IN HIS ARMS, KISSES HER PASSIONATELY AND PUSHES HER AWAY.
ADAM
Goodbye my dear.
ADAM MARCHES AWAY.
LUCY
Not so fast Mister!
LUCY PULLS HIM BACK, LOOKS DEEPLY INTO HIS EYES AND KISSES HIM. SHE STEPS AWAY. ADAM LOOKS INTO HER EYES AND SIGHS DEEPLY.
ADAM
My New Years wish seems to have come through.
LUCY
I didn’t have one …
THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER.
ROBIN, THE BURSAR, SITS BEHIND HIS DESK. ROSIE AND MAGGIE SIT IN A CHAIR EACH OPPOSITE.
BURSAR
This is a serious breach of confidentiality.
MAGGIE
It shouldn’t happen Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
Indeed not.
ROSIE
The girls are horrible to us.
BURSAR
Right. Leave this with me.
ROBIN RISES AND SHOWS THEM TO THE DOOR. ROSIE AND MAGGIE WALK TO THE DOOR. ROSIE SUDDENLY STOPS.
ROSIE
One more thing, Mr Bragg.
BURSAR
And that is?
ROSIE
She was the one who blabbed about the extra ten thousand pounds!
BURSAR
What are you saying?
MAGGIE
Mrs Pitt spread the rumour.
BURSAR
Are you absolutely sure?
MAGGIE AND ROSIE LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND THEN NOD.
BURSAR
Have you any proof?
ROSIE
We heard her on the telephone.
BURSAR
Hearsay is not enough. You must provide me with solid proof or my hands are tied.
ANTOINETTE BURSTS INTO THE ROOM.
ANTOINETTE
I am their proof!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE STARTLED BY ANTOINETTE’S SUDDEN APPEARANCE.
BURSAR
Miss Vanderbeek!!
ANTOINETTE
I heard Mrs Pitt and I heard Maggie and Rosie discussing the problem!
BURSAR
It is still hearsay! Where is the proof!!
ANTOINETTE
Why should I lie!
BURSAR
In that case, why didn’t you do anything about it!
MO BURSTS INTO THE ROOM.
MO
She did something alright! She tried to blackmail me!! Have her expelled!
ANTOINETTE
You cow!
MO
Try to get out of that one!
BURSAR
Ladies!!
MO
She cot scared and blamed Matt!!
ANTOINETTE
I so did not!
ANTOINETTE TURNS TO THE BURSAR.
ANTOINETTE
She blamed Mr Baker! Rotten cow!!
MO
Bitch!
MO ATTACKS ANTOINETTE AND THEY BEGIN TO FIGHT.
BURSAR
Ladies! Ladies!
MAGGIE
Mo!!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE INTERVENE WITH THE FIGHTING AND GET INVOLVED. ENTER AMY.
AMY
What is going on!!
MO PULLS ANTOINETTE’S HAIR … MAGGIE TACKLES MO … MO GRABS ROSIE … ROSIE KICKS ANTOINETTE … ANTOINETTE HOLDS MO IN A STRANGLE HOLD … THE WOMEN ARE ROLLING AROUND … ANTOINETTE SCREAMS AS MO BITES HER.
THE BURSAR TURNS TO A FLABBERGASTED AMY.
BURSAR
Is this the way you run your house!!
29. INT. UNDER THE DOME DUSK
CLARE STRUGGLES TO ENTER THROUGH THE DOOR WITH HER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. ADAM IS SAMPLING THE WINE COLLECTION. HE PICKS UP HIS PIPE AND LIGHTS IT.
ADAM
Ah, Frump!
CLARE GIVES HIM A DIRTY LOOK.
CLARE
Don’t just stand there! Give me a hand!
ADAM TAKES SOME TRAYS AND PUTS THEM ON A TABLE. HE LOOKS IN DISMAY AT THE ARRANGEMENTS.
ADAM
Have you robbed a graveyard of its flowers?
CLARE
Don’t you start! I have had enough trouble as it is!
ADAM LOOKS AROUND THE AREA. HE WAVES HIS PIPE AROUND.
ADAM
Good show, what?
CLARE
It’s an embarrassment!
ADAM
What is my dear?
CLARE
This is!
GLEN ENTERS AND LOOKS IN AMAZEMENT AT THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
GLEN
Who died!
CLARE
Right!! That’s it!!
CLARE STORMS OFF.
CLARE
I shall leave the two of you with that problem!!
EXIT CLARE.
ADAM
What’s got into Frump?
GLEN SEES FLEAS.
GLEN
Oh no! Not here too!!
ADAM
What is the matter dear boy?
LUCY ENTERS.
LUCY
Adam!
ADAM TURNS.
ADAM
Oh, it’s you,
LUCY
Don’t be like that. I need to speak to you.
ADAM
We have said all that is necessary. Thank you!
ADAM TURNS HIS BACK TO HER AND PUFFS DISDAINFULLY ON HIS PIPE.
LUCY
I really, really need to speak to you.
ADAM IS DISTRACTED BY GLEN’S PECULIAR BEHAVIOUR. LUCY TAKES HIM BY THE ARM AND STEERS HIM TOWARDS THE HALIFAX ROOM. ADAM POINTS HIS PIPE AT GLEN.
ADAM
That man is seriously disturbed.
30. INT. HOUSE ANTOINETTE’S ROOM DUSK
ANTOINETTE IS PACKING HER BELONGINS INTO A TRUNK. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
ANTOINETTE
Go away Mrs Pitt cow!!
CHRISTINE, DRESSED FOR THE WINTER BALL, ENTERS.
CHRISTINE
What are you doing!
ANTOINETTE
Expelled.
CHRISTINE
Expelled! Why!
ANTOINETTE
I write on your wall on facebook why.
CHRISTINE
Tell me now.
ANTOINETTE
I have to go. My taxi is waiting.
CHRISTINE
What about the Ball!
ANTOINETTE
Stuff the Ball. I’m going home and will never return to this hellhole.
31. INT. HOUSE OFFICE DUSK
MO IS PACKING HER BELONGINGS IN A BLACK BINLINER. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
MO
Go away, whoever you are!!
ENTER AMY.
AMY
I am so sorry Mo.
MO
No you’re not!
AMY
I never meant to …
MO
Yes you did!!
AMY
You are, of course, always welcome to see the girls.
MO
I’m only on leave. I will be back soon.
AMY
Quite.
MO
Well I think that’s it.
MO LOOKS AROUND.
MO
And I wont be babysitting for you.
AMY
Pardon?
MO
Beatrice and Josephine. Remember?
EXIT MO, LEAVING AMY SHAKING HER HEAD IN DISDAIN.
32. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DUSK
MO WALKS OUT OF HER OFFICE CARRYING A BINLINER AS ANTOINETTE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS FOLLOWED BY THE TAXI DRIVER AND CHRISTINE CARRYING HER TRUNK. THE TWO WOMEN LOOK AT EACH OTHER SPITEFULLY.
ANTOINETTE
Make way please for my trunk.
MO
Get out of my way you spoiled brat.
MO STEPS FORWARD AS AT THE SAME TIME ANTOINETTE STEPS FORWARD. THEY ARE IN EACH OTHER’S WAY AND THERE IS A STRUGGLE FOR SPACE. FOLLOWING SOME ABRUPT MOVEMENTS ANTOINETTE TRIUMPHS. SHE EXITS, LEAVING A SEETHING MO IN HER WAKE.
33. INT. HALIFAX ROOM DUSK
ADAM, PIPE IN HAND, STROLLS AROUND THE ROOM. LUCY SITS ON A CHAIR.
ADAM
You know, I have always wondered why this house is under-used. Its possibilities are endless.
LUCY
You have to stop avoiding me.
ADAM
There are so many rooms.
LUCY
Adam, sit down.
ADAM
This room would make a perfect dining room.
LUCY
It used to be one.
ADAM
Really?
LUCY
I studied the house, as you well know.
ADAM
So you did.
LUCY RISES FROM HER CHAIR, WALKS TOWARDS ADAM, TAKES HIS ARM AND LEADS HIM TO A CHAIR.
LUCY
Sit down. We need to talk.
ADAM
I have nothing more to say.
LUCY
I do. Sit down.
RELUCTANTLY ADAM SITS DOWN.
LUCY
I’m sorry. I did not know that you had such feelings for me. If I had known I would never have behaved as I did.
ADAM
Good! That’s taken care of.
ADAM RISES FROM HIS CHAIR. LUCY PULLS HIM BACK DOWN.
LUCY
Why didn’t you tell me?
ADAM
A gentleman does not talk about such things.
LUCY
What nonsense!
ADAM
My dear girl. If I had been born around the same time as you, things would have been entirely different. I am a fifty-year-old man. What could you possibly see in me?
LUCY
I see a good friend.
ADAM RISES AND PACES THE ROOM, WAVING HIS PIPE AROUND.
ADAM
That’s exactly it. A good friend. No more. I shall tell you something Miss Brown. Over the years I have desired many women. Many. However, when I met you, somehow things were different. Feelings developed.
ADAM LOOKS ACCUSINGLY AT LUCY.
ADAM
I fought them … I fought them hard … I have never thought highly of the female species. I thought they were for sex only.
INDIGNANT LUCY RISES.
ADAM
Sit! And listen!
ADAM TAKES A LONG PULL ON HIS PIPE.
ADAM
When I asked you to marry me, I surprised myself.
LUCY
I don’t know what to say. I thought that your feelings were of a fatherly nature.
ADAM
Fatherly. Fatherly, indeed.
LUCY RISES.
LUCY
Please Adam …
ADAM
I have said enough.
ADAM TAKES LUCY IN HIS ARMS, KISSES HER PASSIONATELY AND PUSHES HER AWAY.
ADAM
Goodbye my dear.
ADAM MARCHES AWAY.
LUCY
Not so fast Mister!
LUCY PULLS HIM BACK, LOOKS DEEPLY INTO HIS EYES AND KISSES HIM. SHE STEPS AWAY. ADAM LOOKS INTO HER EYES AND SIGHS DEEPLY.
ADAM
My New Years wish seems to have come through.
LUCY
I didn’t have one …
THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Episode Five: The Winter Ball (part three)
19. INT. HOUSE 6TH FORM CORRIDOR DAY
MO TURNS THE CORNER INTO THE CORRIDOR AND SEES A PILE OF CLOTHING LYING IN A HEAP IN FRONT OF ANTOINETTE’S ROOM. SEETHING SHE STOPS BY THE PILE.
MO
Antoinette!!!
ANTOINETTE EXITS HER ROOM. MO POINTS AT THE PILE OF CLOTHING.
MO
What is the meaning of this!
ANTOINETTE
I’m tidying!
MO
Put it back into your room immediately!
ANTOINETTE
No!!
MO
I beg your pardon!!
ANTOINETTE
Why should I listen to you, you stupid cow!
MO GRABS ANTOINETTE BY THE COLLAR OF HER BLOUSE.
MO
Now you listen to me, you nasty piece of work …
ANTOINETTE
Will you let me go!!!
MO SHAKES ANTOINETTE.
MO
Letting me believe that Matt was the blackmailer! It was you all along, you … You …
ANTOINETTE WORKS HERSELF FREE.
ANTOINETTE
So?
MO
How could you! The poor man is still shaken by the accusations!
ANTOINETTE
You accused him? Good god, how gullible can you get?
MO
I shall have to report you!
ANTOINETTE
Oh yeah?
MO
I shall inform the Head right now!
ANTOINETTE
You go right ahead! I shall follow and inform him about you!
MO
As if he will believe a minor! Ha!
ANTOINETTE
Oh, he will! Believe you me!!
MO
You are a liar, a troublemaker and a drug abuser! I shall make sure that you get expelled! You … You … Good for nothing!
MO TURNS AROUND AND WALKS OFF IN A HUFF.
ANTOINETTE
And I shall make sure that you get the sack!! I have witnesses!!
20. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MO STORMS DOWN THE STAIRS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE STILL STANDING THERE.
MO
Why are you still standing there!!
ROSIE
I …
MO
Get back to your work immediately! It’s not a holyday camp here!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A LOOK.
MO
The dorms are a tip! Get them clean!! Now!!
SLOWLY MAGGIE AND ROSIE WALK AWAY.
MO
Chop chop please!!
MO STORMS INTO HER OFFICE AND SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT.
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s clean up those messy dorms.
ROSIE
The rotten cow is exaggerating as per usual! You just wait and see!
21. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE LOOKS DISAPPOINTED AT THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
CLARE
The glitter has not improved the matter.
MATT
My angel worries too much.
CLARE
It needs more festive decorations.
MATT
What I can do for my honeysuckle?
CLARE
Something shiny. Or silvery.
MATT
The sunshine of my life wants perfection.
CLARE
Will you stop that!
MATT
My little pussycat sometimes shows her claws.
CLARE
Have you gone insane?
MATT
No-o?
CLARE
Why do you give me those ridiculous names then?
MATT
They’re not ridiculous!
CLARE
Just stop that nonsense.
MATT
But …
CLARE
No buts!
MATT
It’s a special day!
CLARE
Is it?
MATT
It’s exactly a year ago today that we first met!
CLARE
Oh, so it is!
MATT
And I thought that we should celebrate.
CLARE
We should.
MATT
Tonight should be the night.
CLARE
I agree.
MATT
We could do it at your place.
CLARE
At my place? It should be done during the winter ball!
MATT
The ball?
CLARE
Of course! It should be a special time and place.
MATT
Blimey.
CLARE
What do you mean?
MATT
Shouldn’t it be more private?
CLARE
Don’t be silly. The winter ball is perfect.
MATT
You are surprising me.
CLARE
Oh?
MATT
I never thought that you would want it done in public!
CLARE
Of course I do.
MATT
With strangers looking on?
CLARE
Well, yes!
MATT
I have never done that in public.
CLARE
Not even with your wife?
MATT
No, bless her poor deceased soul, she was much too shy for that.
CLARE
You are such an unromantic person.
MATT
Well, if you’re up for it, so am I.
CLARE
Good!
MATT
I’m beginning to warm to the idea. You are quite something you know?
CLARE
I can see it now …
MATT
Hopefully it’s legal.
CLARE
… Seeing you kneel before me …
MATT
Kneel?
CLARE
… Presenting a golden ring with a diamond …
MATT
Eh?
CLARE
… Of course I will let you wait for my answer. Let the suspense grow …
MATT
You mean …
CLARE
… And everyone will applaud when the answer is yes.
Perfect.
MATT
I don’t know what to say!
CLARE
Of course you do, you silly man.
MATT
You’re not talking about, hum, about having sex?
CLARE
Sex?
MATT
To celebrate? Tonight?
CLARE
Sex? No … No … I thought you meant … You … You dirty old man!!
CLARE SLAPS HIM IN THE FACE.
CLARE
Get out!!!
22. INT. HOUSE DORMITORY DAY
ROSIE AND MAGGIE ENTER A VERY MESSY DORM.
MAGGIE
Mo’s right!
ROSIE
It is a tip!
ALEXANDRA
I will clean it.
ROSIE AND MAGGIE JUMP. THEY TURN AND SEE ALEXANDRA SITTING MISERABLY ON HER BED IN A NIGHT GOWN.
MAGGIE
Alex! What’s the matter!
ALEXANDRA
I hate those two!
ROSIE
Why? What have they done this time?
ALEXANDRA
They’ve got me involved with their scam!
ROSIE AND MAGGIE GIVE EACH OTHER A PUZZLED LOOK.
ALEXANDRA
I’ll show you.
ALEXANDRA WALKS TOWARDS CHARLOTTE’S BED AND OPENS THE LARGE SLIDING DOOR UNDER THE BED. SHE TAKES OUT A LAPTOP.
MAGGIE
I see!
ROSIE
Is it the stolen one?
ALEXANDRA
She gave it to Charlie. Charlie’s going to sell it and they will collect the insurance money. They have promised me a share if I keep quiet. I hate them!
ALEXANDRA BEGINS TO SOB.
ROSIE
What some little toerags!
MAGGIE
Dry your tears babe. There is always a solution.
ALEXANDRA
Not for this. They will know I dobbed them in.
MAGGIE PICKS UP THE LAPTOP.
MAGGIE
Oh, look Rosie, I found Sophie’s laptop when we stuffed Charlottes clothes back under her bed!
ROSIE
Well, I’ll be damned. Charlie must have borrowed it without Sophie’s knowledge.
MAGGIE
What shall we do with it?
ROSIE
We better take it to lost property. Let them sort it.
MAGGIE
That is what we shall do then.
ALEXANDRA
Oh, you two are genius! Thank you!
ROSIE
No, thank you for talking to us.
ALEXANDRA
Oh that! I don’t believe for one moment that you grassed on Beatrice and Josephine. You are always covering for us.
ROSIE
It was Mrs Pitt.
ALEXANDRA
I knew it was her! Blaming you two! You really should do something!
ALEXANDRA HUGS THE CLEANERS.
ALEXANDRA
I’m going to tell everyone it wasn’t you.
MAGGIE
Thank you.
ALEXANDRA
I know how hard they can make things for you. In my old school they gave Mrs Holden a nervous breakdown. She was on sick leave for ages.
EXIT ALEXANDRA.
ROSIE
Alexandra is right. We should do something.
23. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE TAKE THE LAPTOP TO LOST PROPERTY.
24. EXT. GARDENS DAY
MATT WALKS GLOOMY THROUGH THE GARDENS. IT BEGINS TO SNOW.
25. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE SORTS THE POST. SHE IS STILL FURIOUS AND PARCELS ARE FLYING.
26. INT. HALL DAY
ROSIE AND MAGGIE STAND BY THE BURSAR’S OFFICE DOOR.
ROSIE
Are we really going to do this?
MAGGIE NODS AND KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.
MAGGIE
Let’s face the lion.
27. EXT. GARDENS DAY
MATT IS DEPRESSED. HE IS WALKING THROUGH THE GARDENS. IT IS SNOWING AND HE IS THINKING.
MATT VO
I have done it now … She’ll never speak to me again … Dear oh dear oh dear … What is a man to do … She’ll never have me unless I do something really special … Surprise her … With what … I have ruined my chances … Maybe propose to her tonight … No, that would never work … There must be something I can do …
MATT HAS STRAYED ONTO SILVER BIRCH LAWN AND LOOKS AT SOMETHING STRANGE.
MATT VO
What sort of mad hatter idea is that … Crazy … But wait … Hang on …
CLARE VO
It needs something shiny. Or silvery.
MATT PUNCHES THE AIR.
MATT
That’s it!!!!
MO TURNS THE CORNER INTO THE CORRIDOR AND SEES A PILE OF CLOTHING LYING IN A HEAP IN FRONT OF ANTOINETTE’S ROOM. SEETHING SHE STOPS BY THE PILE.
MO
Antoinette!!!
ANTOINETTE EXITS HER ROOM. MO POINTS AT THE PILE OF CLOTHING.
MO
What is the meaning of this!
ANTOINETTE
I’m tidying!
MO
Put it back into your room immediately!
ANTOINETTE
No!!
MO
I beg your pardon!!
ANTOINETTE
Why should I listen to you, you stupid cow!
MO GRABS ANTOINETTE BY THE COLLAR OF HER BLOUSE.
MO
Now you listen to me, you nasty piece of work …
ANTOINETTE
Will you let me go!!!
MO SHAKES ANTOINETTE.
MO
Letting me believe that Matt was the blackmailer! It was you all along, you … You …
ANTOINETTE WORKS HERSELF FREE.
ANTOINETTE
So?
MO
How could you! The poor man is still shaken by the accusations!
ANTOINETTE
You accused him? Good god, how gullible can you get?
MO
I shall have to report you!
ANTOINETTE
Oh yeah?
MO
I shall inform the Head right now!
ANTOINETTE
You go right ahead! I shall follow and inform him about you!
MO
As if he will believe a minor! Ha!
ANTOINETTE
Oh, he will! Believe you me!!
MO
You are a liar, a troublemaker and a drug abuser! I shall make sure that you get expelled! You … You … Good for nothing!
MO TURNS AROUND AND WALKS OFF IN A HUFF.
ANTOINETTE
And I shall make sure that you get the sack!! I have witnesses!!
20. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MO STORMS DOWN THE STAIRS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE STILL STANDING THERE.
MO
Why are you still standing there!!
ROSIE
I …
MO
Get back to your work immediately! It’s not a holyday camp here!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A LOOK.
MO
The dorms are a tip! Get them clean!! Now!!
SLOWLY MAGGIE AND ROSIE WALK AWAY.
MO
Chop chop please!!
MO STORMS INTO HER OFFICE AND SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT.
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s clean up those messy dorms.
ROSIE
The rotten cow is exaggerating as per usual! You just wait and see!
21. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE LOOKS DISAPPOINTED AT THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
CLARE
The glitter has not improved the matter.
MATT
My angel worries too much.
CLARE
It needs more festive decorations.
MATT
What I can do for my honeysuckle?
CLARE
Something shiny. Or silvery.
MATT
The sunshine of my life wants perfection.
CLARE
Will you stop that!
MATT
My little pussycat sometimes shows her claws.
CLARE
Have you gone insane?
MATT
No-o?
CLARE
Why do you give me those ridiculous names then?
MATT
They’re not ridiculous!
CLARE
Just stop that nonsense.
MATT
But …
CLARE
No buts!
MATT
It’s a special day!
CLARE
Is it?
MATT
It’s exactly a year ago today that we first met!
CLARE
Oh, so it is!
MATT
And I thought that we should celebrate.
CLARE
We should.
MATT
Tonight should be the night.
CLARE
I agree.
MATT
We could do it at your place.
CLARE
At my place? It should be done during the winter ball!
MATT
The ball?
CLARE
Of course! It should be a special time and place.
MATT
Blimey.
CLARE
What do you mean?
MATT
Shouldn’t it be more private?
CLARE
Don’t be silly. The winter ball is perfect.
MATT
You are surprising me.
CLARE
Oh?
MATT
I never thought that you would want it done in public!
CLARE
Of course I do.
MATT
With strangers looking on?
CLARE
Well, yes!
MATT
I have never done that in public.
CLARE
Not even with your wife?
MATT
No, bless her poor deceased soul, she was much too shy for that.
CLARE
You are such an unromantic person.
MATT
Well, if you’re up for it, so am I.
CLARE
Good!
MATT
I’m beginning to warm to the idea. You are quite something you know?
CLARE
I can see it now …
MATT
Hopefully it’s legal.
CLARE
… Seeing you kneel before me …
MATT
Kneel?
CLARE
… Presenting a golden ring with a diamond …
MATT
Eh?
CLARE
… Of course I will let you wait for my answer. Let the suspense grow …
MATT
You mean …
CLARE
… And everyone will applaud when the answer is yes.
Perfect.
MATT
I don’t know what to say!
CLARE
Of course you do, you silly man.
MATT
You’re not talking about, hum, about having sex?
CLARE
Sex?
MATT
To celebrate? Tonight?
CLARE
Sex? No … No … I thought you meant … You … You dirty old man!!
CLARE SLAPS HIM IN THE FACE.
CLARE
Get out!!!
22. INT. HOUSE DORMITORY DAY
ROSIE AND MAGGIE ENTER A VERY MESSY DORM.
MAGGIE
Mo’s right!
ROSIE
It is a tip!
ALEXANDRA
I will clean it.
ROSIE AND MAGGIE JUMP. THEY TURN AND SEE ALEXANDRA SITTING MISERABLY ON HER BED IN A NIGHT GOWN.
MAGGIE
Alex! What’s the matter!
ALEXANDRA
I hate those two!
ROSIE
Why? What have they done this time?
ALEXANDRA
They’ve got me involved with their scam!
ROSIE AND MAGGIE GIVE EACH OTHER A PUZZLED LOOK.
ALEXANDRA
I’ll show you.
ALEXANDRA WALKS TOWARDS CHARLOTTE’S BED AND OPENS THE LARGE SLIDING DOOR UNDER THE BED. SHE TAKES OUT A LAPTOP.
MAGGIE
I see!
ROSIE
Is it the stolen one?
ALEXANDRA
She gave it to Charlie. Charlie’s going to sell it and they will collect the insurance money. They have promised me a share if I keep quiet. I hate them!
ALEXANDRA BEGINS TO SOB.
ROSIE
What some little toerags!
MAGGIE
Dry your tears babe. There is always a solution.
ALEXANDRA
Not for this. They will know I dobbed them in.
MAGGIE PICKS UP THE LAPTOP.
MAGGIE
Oh, look Rosie, I found Sophie’s laptop when we stuffed Charlottes clothes back under her bed!
ROSIE
Well, I’ll be damned. Charlie must have borrowed it without Sophie’s knowledge.
MAGGIE
What shall we do with it?
ROSIE
We better take it to lost property. Let them sort it.
MAGGIE
That is what we shall do then.
ALEXANDRA
Oh, you two are genius! Thank you!
ROSIE
No, thank you for talking to us.
ALEXANDRA
Oh that! I don’t believe for one moment that you grassed on Beatrice and Josephine. You are always covering for us.
ROSIE
It was Mrs Pitt.
ALEXANDRA
I knew it was her! Blaming you two! You really should do something!
ALEXANDRA HUGS THE CLEANERS.
ALEXANDRA
I’m going to tell everyone it wasn’t you.
MAGGIE
Thank you.
ALEXANDRA
I know how hard they can make things for you. In my old school they gave Mrs Holden a nervous breakdown. She was on sick leave for ages.
EXIT ALEXANDRA.
ROSIE
Alexandra is right. We should do something.
23. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE TAKE THE LAPTOP TO LOST PROPERTY.
24. EXT. GARDENS DAY
MATT WALKS GLOOMY THROUGH THE GARDENS. IT BEGINS TO SNOW.
25. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE SORTS THE POST. SHE IS STILL FURIOUS AND PARCELS ARE FLYING.
26. INT. HALL DAY
ROSIE AND MAGGIE STAND BY THE BURSAR’S OFFICE DOOR.
ROSIE
Are we really going to do this?
MAGGIE NODS AND KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.
MAGGIE
Let’s face the lion.
27. EXT. GARDENS DAY
MATT IS DEPRESSED. HE IS WALKING THROUGH THE GARDENS. IT IS SNOWING AND HE IS THINKING.
MATT VO
I have done it now … She’ll never speak to me again … Dear oh dear oh dear … What is a man to do … She’ll never have me unless I do something really special … Surprise her … With what … I have ruined my chances … Maybe propose to her tonight … No, that would never work … There must be something I can do …
MATT HAS STRAYED ONTO SILVER BIRCH LAWN AND LOOKS AT SOMETHING STRANGE.
MATT VO
What sort of mad hatter idea is that … Crazy … But wait … Hang on …
CLARE VO
It needs something shiny. Or silvery.
MATT PUNCHES THE AIR.
MATT
That’s it!!!!
Monday, 27 October 2008
Episode Five: The Winter Ball (part two)
13. INT. FLAT BEDROOM DAY
GLEN AND CHRISTINE ARE HAVING SEX WHEN GLEN SUDDENLY HITS OUT AND GRABS A ‘FLEA’ FROM THE PILLOW.
GLEN
Got the blighter!
CHRISTINE
Bloody hell Glen! Will you stop that?
GLEN ROLLS OFF HER AND KILLS THE ‘FLEA’ BETWEEN HIS NAILS.
GLEN
They give me the creeps.
CHRISTINE
There is nothing in your bed!
GLEN
There are hundreds of the damn things!
GLEN LOOKS INTENSELY AT CHRISTINE’S FOREHEAD.
CHRISTINE
What! What!
GLEN
Lay still, very still.
CHRISTINE
Glen, stop it! You’re frightening me!
GLEN SUDDENLY SLAPS CHRISTINE’S FOREHEAD.
GLEN
Got it.
CHRISTINE HURRIES OUT OF BED AND BEGINS TO DRESS HERSELF.
GLEN
What are you doing?
CHRISTINE
If you think that I’m staying for one more second with you …
GLEN
I’m only trying to get rid of them!
CHRISTINE
You’re mad!
CHRISTINE ANGRILY STOMPS TO THE DOOR.
GLEN
Chrissie!
CHRISTINE
Sort yourself out!
EXIT CHRISTINE. GLEN CATCHES ANOTHER ‘FLEA’.
14. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE HAS TAKEN THE FLOWERS AND THE GREENERY FROM THE WREATHS AND ARRANGED IT UPON SEVERAL GREEN BASES. SHE SHOWS THEM TO MATT.
CLARE
What do you think?
MATT
That looks alright to me.
CLARE
Mmmmm … Something is missing.
MATT
I can get you some glitter if you like. I keep plenty in the shed.
CLARE
I don’t know …
MATT
Oh come on my little tweety pie. It will make it look much more festive.
CLARE
It just isn’t right.
15. INT. HOUSE DORMITORY DAY
SOPHIE, ALEXANDRA AND CHARLOTTE TRY ON THEIR DRESSES FOR THE WINTER BALL.
SOPHIE
Does my bum look big in this?
CHARLOTTE
No. It looks perfect.
SOPHIE
Bummer. I want it to look huge!
ALEXANDRA
You’ll never get him. Not if I can help it.
CHARLOTTE
Who? What don’t I know?
ALEXANDRA
Oh, she’s after that computer nerd.
CHARLOTTE
Cosmo?
SOPHIE
He’s not a nerd! He’s cute, with the nicest bottom.
CHARLOTTE
And a cute bulge in his trousers!
ALEXANDRA
He’s not for her.
CHARLOTTE
What! You want him?
ALEXANDRA
He doesn’t like thieves.
SOPHIE
I’m not a thief!
ALEXANDRA
Fraudster then.
CHARLOTTE
Are you going to inform him of our little money making scam? You horror!
ALEXANDRA
It’s you two who are the horrors! I hate what you are doing!
ALEXANDRA STORMS OUT OF THE DORMITORY.
CHARLOTTE
Now what?
SOPHIE
Don’t worry. She will change her mind when she gets her share.
16. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
FURIOUS, PIPE CLAMPED BETWEEN HIS TEETH, ADAM STRIDES AWAY FROM LUCY WHO RUNS AFTER HIM.
LUCY
But Adam!
ADAM
No!!
ADAM MARCHES FASTER. LUCY SLOWLY CATCHES UP.
LUCY
It wasn’t meant like that!
ADAM
Yes it was!
LUCY
It just sounded like it!
ADAM
The answer is still no!!
LUCY
They will kill me!!
ADAM
Tough!!
LUCY
You heartless man!!
ADAM SUDDENLY STOPS. LUCY BUMPS INTO HIM FROM BEHIND. ADAM TURNS AROUND AND PUSHES HER AWAY.
ADAM
Me? Heartless? Have you heard yourself?
LUCY
I … I …
ADAM
Yes indeed! I,I,I. Did you ever have regarded my feelings?
LUCY
I …
ADAM
Of course not.
LUCY
What are you talking about!
ADAM SUCKS ON HIS PIPE. IT HAS GONE OUT AND HE RELIGHTS IT.
ADAM
For months I kissed the ground you walked. I worshipped you. The way you look, the way you smile, your fierce temper … And you were only after my name! How heartless is that?
LUCY
That is not true!!
ADAM
No? Well tell me, what is untrue about that?
LUCY
If you had not snooped into my past …
ADAM
Psssss!! It’s a good thing that I did. I told you I could make your life a misery. I might just do that. Now you have betrayed my deepest feelings.
CHRISTINE WALKS TOWARDS THEM.
ADAM
Better still! She can do the dirty work for me. I’ve had enough!!
ANGRILY, ADAM STRIDES AWAY, LEAVING LUCY DUMBFOUNDED.
17. INT. SHED DAY
MATT WHISTLES A TUNE AS HE PUTS SEVERAL LITTLE POTS OF GLITTER ONTO THE WORKBENCH. HE HEARS FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.
MATT
Is that my little hummingbird?
MO ENTERS. MATT HAS HIS BACK TO HER.
MATT
My sweet little apple pie?
MO
I beg your pardon?
MATT TURNS, ALMOST KNOCKING THE GLITTER OFF THE WORKBENCH.
MATT
Oh, Mrs Pitt! I thought it was someone else!
MO
Evidently.
MATT
What can I do for you?
MO
Who did you think that I was?
MATT
Well … Ah … Obviously not you!
MO
Well?
MATT
Oh, just someone.
MO
Who? Are you having an affair with someone at the school? Matt? Who is she? Is it a teacher? No, that can’t be. A cleaner? Someone from the kitchen perhaps? Tell me!
MATT
I … I can’t. Sorry.
MO
Why not?
MATT
The lady herself doesn’t know yet.
MO
Well, when she does let me in the know. I love romance.
MATT
Meanwhile, what can I get you?
MO
I would like some toilet cleaner please.
MATT OPENS A CUPBOARD
MATT
Is two enough?
MO
It will do.
MO TAKES THE BOTTLES AND BEGINS TO WALK AWAY.
MATT
Oh, by the way, Mrs Pitt …
MO TURNS.
MATT
The other day, when you thought that I blackmailed you …
MO
That’s best forgotten.
MATT
Yes, well, not by me.
MO
It was a mistake. Let’s not talk about it anymore.
MATT
I was wondering, you see, who possibly put that envelope in my pocket.
MO
Well, I don’t know.
MATT
Did you tell anyone about your suspicions?
MO
I don’t think so … Or did I … I can’t quite remember.
MATT
Please, Mrs Pitt. Cast your mind back.
MO
Well … I saw you empty the bin liners in the skip … I asked for help on the matter …
MATT
Who! Who did you ask for help?
MO
Don’t interrupt my thoughts Matt.
MATT
It’s important.
MO
Well, I then went back and spoke to … And … Oh dear god!
MATT
What is it!!!
MO CLASPES HER HAND OVER HER MOUTH AND WALKS OUT, LEAVING A PUZZLED MATT.
18. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW TO WHERE THE PEANUTS IN THEIR SHELLS ARE STRUNG BETWEEN SHRUBS.
MAGGIE
I don’t understand it. The tits are not even trying!
ROSIE
They’re like the kids! They wouldn’t recognise a potato plant!
MAGGIE
Fast food eh?
CHRISTINE ENTERS AND WALKS TOWARDS THE STAIRS.
ROSIE
Chrissie! Chrissie, wait!
CHRISTINE IGNORES THE CLEANERS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE HURRY TOWARDS CHRISTINE.
MAGGIE
Christine!
CHRISTINE IMPATIENTLY TURNS. SHE LOOKS AT THE CLEANERS AND THEN LOOKS UP.
CHRISTINE
What!!!
MAGGIE
Not you too!
ROSIE
What’s going on!
CHRISTINE
You know what’s going on!
MAGGIE
No, we don’t!
ROSIE
Speak to us!
CHRISTINE
I shouldn’t even speak to you!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A PUZZLED LOOK.
CHRISTINE
You betrayed them!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE
Who!!!
CHRISTINE
Josephine and Beatrice!
ROSIE
What!
CHRISTINE
Mrs Pitt told us that you found those bottles in their room and grassed on them! How could you!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A HORRIFIED LOOK.
CHRISTINE
Because of you, they are gated!
ANGRILY, CHRISTINE WALKS UP THE STAIRS.
CHRISTINE
We will never trust you again!
MAGGIE
But …
CHRISTINE
Go to hell, both of you!
CHRISTINE STORMS UPSTAIRS.
ROSIE
Bloody hell! The cow!
MAGGIE
She promised not to!
ENTER A SEETHING MO.
MAGGIE
Mo, I need to …
MO
Not now!
MO STORMS UPSTAIRS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE LOOK FLABBERGASTED AT EACH OTHER.
GLEN AND CHRISTINE ARE HAVING SEX WHEN GLEN SUDDENLY HITS OUT AND GRABS A ‘FLEA’ FROM THE PILLOW.
GLEN
Got the blighter!
CHRISTINE
Bloody hell Glen! Will you stop that?
GLEN ROLLS OFF HER AND KILLS THE ‘FLEA’ BETWEEN HIS NAILS.
GLEN
They give me the creeps.
CHRISTINE
There is nothing in your bed!
GLEN
There are hundreds of the damn things!
GLEN LOOKS INTENSELY AT CHRISTINE’S FOREHEAD.
CHRISTINE
What! What!
GLEN
Lay still, very still.
CHRISTINE
Glen, stop it! You’re frightening me!
GLEN SUDDENLY SLAPS CHRISTINE’S FOREHEAD.
GLEN
Got it.
CHRISTINE HURRIES OUT OF BED AND BEGINS TO DRESS HERSELF.
GLEN
What are you doing?
CHRISTINE
If you think that I’m staying for one more second with you …
GLEN
I’m only trying to get rid of them!
CHRISTINE
You’re mad!
CHRISTINE ANGRILY STOMPS TO THE DOOR.
GLEN
Chrissie!
CHRISTINE
Sort yourself out!
EXIT CHRISTINE. GLEN CATCHES ANOTHER ‘FLEA’.
14. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE HAS TAKEN THE FLOWERS AND THE GREENERY FROM THE WREATHS AND ARRANGED IT UPON SEVERAL GREEN BASES. SHE SHOWS THEM TO MATT.
CLARE
What do you think?
MATT
That looks alright to me.
CLARE
Mmmmm … Something is missing.
MATT
I can get you some glitter if you like. I keep plenty in the shed.
CLARE
I don’t know …
MATT
Oh come on my little tweety pie. It will make it look much more festive.
CLARE
It just isn’t right.
15. INT. HOUSE DORMITORY DAY
SOPHIE, ALEXANDRA AND CHARLOTTE TRY ON THEIR DRESSES FOR THE WINTER BALL.
SOPHIE
Does my bum look big in this?
CHARLOTTE
No. It looks perfect.
SOPHIE
Bummer. I want it to look huge!
ALEXANDRA
You’ll never get him. Not if I can help it.
CHARLOTTE
Who? What don’t I know?
ALEXANDRA
Oh, she’s after that computer nerd.
CHARLOTTE
Cosmo?
SOPHIE
He’s not a nerd! He’s cute, with the nicest bottom.
CHARLOTTE
And a cute bulge in his trousers!
ALEXANDRA
He’s not for her.
CHARLOTTE
What! You want him?
ALEXANDRA
He doesn’t like thieves.
SOPHIE
I’m not a thief!
ALEXANDRA
Fraudster then.
CHARLOTTE
Are you going to inform him of our little money making scam? You horror!
ALEXANDRA
It’s you two who are the horrors! I hate what you are doing!
ALEXANDRA STORMS OUT OF THE DORMITORY.
CHARLOTTE
Now what?
SOPHIE
Don’t worry. She will change her mind when she gets her share.
16. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
FURIOUS, PIPE CLAMPED BETWEEN HIS TEETH, ADAM STRIDES AWAY FROM LUCY WHO RUNS AFTER HIM.
LUCY
But Adam!
ADAM
No!!
ADAM MARCHES FASTER. LUCY SLOWLY CATCHES UP.
LUCY
It wasn’t meant like that!
ADAM
Yes it was!
LUCY
It just sounded like it!
ADAM
The answer is still no!!
LUCY
They will kill me!!
ADAM
Tough!!
LUCY
You heartless man!!
ADAM SUDDENLY STOPS. LUCY BUMPS INTO HIM FROM BEHIND. ADAM TURNS AROUND AND PUSHES HER AWAY.
ADAM
Me? Heartless? Have you heard yourself?
LUCY
I … I …
ADAM
Yes indeed! I,I,I. Did you ever have regarded my feelings?
LUCY
I …
ADAM
Of course not.
LUCY
What are you talking about!
ADAM SUCKS ON HIS PIPE. IT HAS GONE OUT AND HE RELIGHTS IT.
ADAM
For months I kissed the ground you walked. I worshipped you. The way you look, the way you smile, your fierce temper … And you were only after my name! How heartless is that?
LUCY
That is not true!!
ADAM
No? Well tell me, what is untrue about that?
LUCY
If you had not snooped into my past …
ADAM
Psssss!! It’s a good thing that I did. I told you I could make your life a misery. I might just do that. Now you have betrayed my deepest feelings.
CHRISTINE WALKS TOWARDS THEM.
ADAM
Better still! She can do the dirty work for me. I’ve had enough!!
ANGRILY, ADAM STRIDES AWAY, LEAVING LUCY DUMBFOUNDED.
17. INT. SHED DAY
MATT WHISTLES A TUNE AS HE PUTS SEVERAL LITTLE POTS OF GLITTER ONTO THE WORKBENCH. HE HEARS FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.
MATT
Is that my little hummingbird?
MO ENTERS. MATT HAS HIS BACK TO HER.
MATT
My sweet little apple pie?
MO
I beg your pardon?
MATT TURNS, ALMOST KNOCKING THE GLITTER OFF THE WORKBENCH.
MATT
Oh, Mrs Pitt! I thought it was someone else!
MO
Evidently.
MATT
What can I do for you?
MO
Who did you think that I was?
MATT
Well … Ah … Obviously not you!
MO
Well?
MATT
Oh, just someone.
MO
Who? Are you having an affair with someone at the school? Matt? Who is she? Is it a teacher? No, that can’t be. A cleaner? Someone from the kitchen perhaps? Tell me!
MATT
I … I can’t. Sorry.
MO
Why not?
MATT
The lady herself doesn’t know yet.
MO
Well, when she does let me in the know. I love romance.
MATT
Meanwhile, what can I get you?
MO
I would like some toilet cleaner please.
MATT OPENS A CUPBOARD
MATT
Is two enough?
MO
It will do.
MO TAKES THE BOTTLES AND BEGINS TO WALK AWAY.
MATT
Oh, by the way, Mrs Pitt …
MO TURNS.
MATT
The other day, when you thought that I blackmailed you …
MO
That’s best forgotten.
MATT
Yes, well, not by me.
MO
It was a mistake. Let’s not talk about it anymore.
MATT
I was wondering, you see, who possibly put that envelope in my pocket.
MO
Well, I don’t know.
MATT
Did you tell anyone about your suspicions?
MO
I don’t think so … Or did I … I can’t quite remember.
MATT
Please, Mrs Pitt. Cast your mind back.
MO
Well … I saw you empty the bin liners in the skip … I asked for help on the matter …
MATT
Who! Who did you ask for help?
MO
Don’t interrupt my thoughts Matt.
MATT
It’s important.
MO
Well, I then went back and spoke to … And … Oh dear god!
MATT
What is it!!!
MO CLASPES HER HAND OVER HER MOUTH AND WALKS OUT, LEAVING A PUZZLED MATT.
18. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW TO WHERE THE PEANUTS IN THEIR SHELLS ARE STRUNG BETWEEN SHRUBS.
MAGGIE
I don’t understand it. The tits are not even trying!
ROSIE
They’re like the kids! They wouldn’t recognise a potato plant!
MAGGIE
Fast food eh?
CHRISTINE ENTERS AND WALKS TOWARDS THE STAIRS.
ROSIE
Chrissie! Chrissie, wait!
CHRISTINE IGNORES THE CLEANERS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE HURRY TOWARDS CHRISTINE.
MAGGIE
Christine!
CHRISTINE IMPATIENTLY TURNS. SHE LOOKS AT THE CLEANERS AND THEN LOOKS UP.
CHRISTINE
What!!!
MAGGIE
Not you too!
ROSIE
What’s going on!
CHRISTINE
You know what’s going on!
MAGGIE
No, we don’t!
ROSIE
Speak to us!
CHRISTINE
I shouldn’t even speak to you!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A PUZZLED LOOK.
CHRISTINE
You betrayed them!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE
Who!!!
CHRISTINE
Josephine and Beatrice!
ROSIE
What!
CHRISTINE
Mrs Pitt told us that you found those bottles in their room and grassed on them! How could you!
MAGGIE AND ROSIE GIVE EACH OTHER A HORRIFIED LOOK.
CHRISTINE
Because of you, they are gated!
ANGRILY, CHRISTINE WALKS UP THE STAIRS.
CHRISTINE
We will never trust you again!
MAGGIE
But …
CHRISTINE
Go to hell, both of you!
CHRISTINE STORMS UPSTAIRS.
ROSIE
Bloody hell! The cow!
MAGGIE
She promised not to!
ENTER A SEETHING MO.
MAGGIE
Mo, I need to …
MO
Not now!
MO STORMS UPSTAIRS. MAGGIE AND ROSIE LOOK FLABBERGASTED AT EACH OTHER.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Episode Five: The Winter Ball (part one)
1. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER, THEY STOP AND WAIT AS A HOUSE MEETING IS IN PROGRESS. AMY SPEAKS TO FORTY GIRLS INCLUDING CHRISTINE, ANTOINETTE, ALEXANDRA, SOPHIE AND CHARLOTTE. THE GIRLS ARE SPRAWLED ON SOFAS, CHAIRS AND ON THE FLOOR. MO SITS ON A CHAIR.
AMY
… Right. Is that clear?
THE GIRLS MURMUR THAT IT IS.
AMY
Next. We have a thief. Sophie’s laptop has been stolen. Is there anyone here who could help me with this?
AMY SURVEYS THE GIRLS.
AMY
No. I didn’t think so. Very well. The thief will be found out in due course. As you know, there are few lessons today. I want every one of you to behave impeccably. This afternoon everyone will get dressed for the winter ball. Without fuss! Is that clear?
THE GIRLS MURMUR THAT IT IS.
AMY
Good! Mrs Pitt, is there anything that you might want to add?
MO PUTS HER NOTES ASIDE AND IS ABOUT TO RISE.
AMY
Apparently not.
MO STOPS IN HER TRACKS AND LOOKS APPALLED AT AMY.
AMY
All right you lot! You can go! Josephine and Beatrice, you must see the Second Master to receive your punishment at once. Antoinette, come with me.
SOME GIRLS MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE EXIT, GLANCING AT ROSIE AND MAGGIE AS THEY PASS. OTHERS HEAD FOR THEIR ROOMS. FOUR GIRLS ENTER THE KITCHEN. JOSEPHINE AND BEATRICE PURPOSELY LOOK UP AND AWAY WHEN THEY PASS THE CLEANERS. ANTOINETTE FOLLOWS AMY.
ANTOINETTE
Don’t tell me. You are blaming me for the thieving, aren’t you?
AMY
What makes you say that?
ANTOINETTE
Pfff, I’m blamed for everything in this stupid school.
AMY OPENS THE DOOR TO HER APARTMENT.
AMY
Come on through.
2. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE DAY
AMY FOLLOWS ANTOINETTE INTO THE LOUNGE.
AMY
Sit down.
ANTOINETTE AND AMY SIT DOWN ON OPPOSITE CHAIRS.
AMY
Well now Antoinette. You have been given one last chance.
ANTOINETTE
See? You’re picking on me again.
AMY
Oh no, young lady! It is not as simple as that! You have overdosed twice this term! Crack cocaine has been found in your room! You are very lucky not to have been expelled!
ANTOINETTE
Expelled? I’m immune to the school’s system!! Don’t you forget the extra ten thousand my parents pay to keep me at this lousy place!
AMY
Poppycock!
ANTOINETTE
Oh yeah! Ha!!!
AMY
One step out of line young lady and I will make absolutely certain that you will be expelled!! You will finish your education in Germany or Switzerland! You know this very well! You toe the line from now on, or else!!!
3. INT. HOUSE KITCHEN SAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER THE KITCHEN. FOUR GIRLS ARE MAKING TOAST.
MAGGIE
Good morning.
THE GIRLS LOOK UP AND AWAY AND WALK OUT OF THE KITCHEN.
ROSIE
Again! They have been like this for days!
MAGGIE
A new fad?
ENTER A SEETHING MO
MO
Did you see that! She deliberately cut me out, the cow! I had a whole list prepared for the girls and she never gave me a chance!!
EXIT A SEETHING MO.
ROSIE
And what was that about?
MAGGIE
She’s in one of her moods. Look!
MAGGIE SHOWS ROSIE PEANUTS, IN THEIR SHELLS, STRINGED TOGETHER ON A LONG THREAD.
4. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE OPENS AND SHUTS BOXES ANGRILY AS MATT ENTERS.
MATT
And how is my little dove today?
CLARE
Not at all happy!
MATT
Why is that my angel?
CLARE
What is the matter with you talking like that!
MATT
Just showing you my affection!
CLARE
They have sent me the wrong flowers!
MATT LOOKS INSIDE ONE OF THE BOXES.
MATT
What’s wrong with them?
CLARE
What’s wrong with them! You men, you are an ignorant lot! Look!
CLARE HOLDS UP A WREATH.
CLARE
They must have accidentally swapped them with a funeral parlour order.
MATT
Phone them and get it put right!
CLARE
I tried that nincompoop! They aren’t answering the phone! What can I do!
MATT
Give me the address and I’ll return them.
CLARE
Would you?
MATT
I’ll do anything for my little sweetie pie.
5. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
CHRISTINE WALKS TOWARDS GLEN’S FLAT WHEN ADAM STOPS HER.
ADAM
Ah, just the person I was looking for.
CHRISTINE
Mr Parson?
ADAM
I need you to do something for me.
CHRISTINE
Not today, Mr Parson. I’m helping with the winter ball.
ADAM
Well, that has to wait. This is more important.
CHRISTINE
I don’t have the time.
ADAM
Then you must find the time. Check this for me will you? On the Internet?
CHRISTINE LOOKS AT THE NAMES ON A PIECE OF PAPER AS ADAM LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
CHRISTINE
Why should I check out security?
ADAM
Because I’m asking you.
ADAM IMPATIENTLY SUCKS ON HIS PIPE.
CHRISTINE
Well, I’m afraid that you have to ask someone else. I’ve got better things to do.
CHRISTINE BEGINS TO WALK AWAY.
ADAM
I might have a word with the Headmaster if you don’t! About a little matter between you and Glen.
CHRISTINE TURNS.
CHRISTINE
Please Mr Parson don’t do this.
ADAM
You are forcing me!
CHRISTINE
And you are me!
ADAM
Enlighten me please?
CHRISTINE
You might know mine but I know your secret.
ADAM
Do you?
CHRISTINE
If you want to keep Miss Brown here …
ADAM
I see …
CHRISTINE
I read the information I gave you!
ADAM
My dearest girl. What are you trying to say?
CHRISTINE
You know very well what I’m trying to say.
ADAM WATCHES CHRISTINE WHILST SUCKING ON HIS PIPE.
ADAM
Stalemate, what?
6. INT. FLAT BEDROOM DAY
GLEN AND CHRISTINE, PASSIONATELY KISSING, ENTER.
CHRISTINE
A whole day!
GLEN
Just the two of us!
CHRISTINE
We can have a bed day!
GLEN
Bliss!
CHRISTINE
Come on then! Undress!!
CHRISTINE BEGINS TO UNDRESS GLEN AND PULLS HIM ONTO THE BED.
GLEN
Hang on …
CHRISTINE
What!
GLEN PULLS THE DUVET AWAY.
GLEN
I have to check the bed first.
CHRISTINE
What for?
GLEN
Fleas.
7. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW. STRUNG BETWEEN THE SHRUBS ON THE LAWN ARE SEVEN STRINGS OF PEANUTS IN THEIR SHELLS.
MAGGIE
What do you think?
ROSIE
Hmmmmm … Nice?
MAGGIE
You just wait.
ROSIE
Oh?
MAGGIE
My mother and I used to watch them.
ROSIE
A ready made net would do for me.
MAGGIE
This is more fun.
MO APPROACHES.
MO
What are you two doing? Loitering around? No work to do?
MAGGIE
What do you think?
MAGGIE POINTS AT THE PEANUT STRINGS OUTSIDE.
MO
Right.
MO WALKS AWAY.
ROSIE
She doesn’t see the point either.
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s do some work.
8. INT. HOUSE DOUBLE ROOM DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER. TWO GIRLS, SITTING BEHIND THEIR DESK, LOOK AT THEM, LOOK UP IMMEDIATELY, RISE AND AVOIDING THE CLEANERS, EXIT.
MAGGIE
I don’t like this at all.
ROSIE
It’s as if they have put us in Coventry!
MAGGIE
But why? We’ve done nothing wrong?
ROSIE
This has gone on too long.
MAGGIE
Shall we ask Mo?
ROSIE
In her mood?
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s find Christine. At least she’s sensible.
9. INT. FLAT BEDROOM DAY
CHRISTINE, IN BRA AND THONG, SITS ON A CHAIR AND WATCHES GLEN CHANGING THE BED LINEN.
CHRISTINE
This is the third time you’ve changed the bed.
GLEN
They are everywhere!
CHRISTINE
Well, I can’t see any.
GLEN
There, look another blighter.
CHRISTINE
Look you. If this is what you’re doing the whole day, I don’t see the point in staying.
GLEN
Right. Hop in!
CHRISTINE
Are you sure? No more fleas?
GLEN SWEEPS HER INTO THE BED AND THEY PASSIONATELY KISS.
10. INT. RECEPTION DAY
MATT RETURNES WITH THE BOXES.
CLARE
Finally! What took you so long!
MATT
Bad news I’m afraid.
CLARE LOOKS INTO ONE OF THE BOXES. SHE TAKES A WREATH OUT AND HOLDS IT UP.
MATT
The shop’s closed. It’s shut for a funeral.
CLARE
What am I going to do!
MATT
Don’t despair my little squirrel. Matt is here to help you out.
11. INT. HOUSE OFFICE DAY
MO IS ON THE PHONE.
MO
… I know Lisa … It’s a scandal that the girl is still here … No that cow doesn’t speak to me … Yes … The way she treats me … Yes … I had a written warning … Yes …
THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR AND AMY ENTERS.
MO
Of course … I shall see what I can do … Right away Mr Robinson, thank you.
MO HANGS UP.
MO
Mrs Short. What can I do for you?
AMY
Who was that on the phone Mrs Pitt?
MO
The domestic supplier. Not that it is any of your business of course.
AMY
I thought that Matt dealt with such matters. Or is it tampons you are after?
MO
It is a house matter.
AMY
Quite.
AN AWKWARD SILENCE FOLLOWS. AMY TWIDDLES WITH HER WEDDING RING. MO MOVES PAPERS ON HER DESK.
AMY
I have some bad news.
MO
Oh?
AMY
Yes. I don’t quite know how to say this.
MO
Well, I am listening.
AMY
Josephine and Beatrice have received their punishment.
MO
Is that the bad news, Mrs Short?
AMY
No Mrs Pitt. The bad news for you is that they are gated for the remainder of this term.
MO
What has that to do with me?
AMY
They are not to attend the winter ball.
MO
A reasonable punishment.
AMY
Nor are you.
MO
Excuse me!
AMY
You are to supervise them in the house this evening.
AMY TURNS AND EXITS, LEVING MO GOB SMACKED.
12. INT. COMMON ROOM DAY
ADAM DRINKS COFFEE AND READS THE TIMES NEWSPAPER. ENTER A FLUSTERED LUCY.
LUCY
Adam!
ADAM LOOKS UP FROM HIS NEWSPAPER.
ADAM
Ah, Lucy. Always a pleasure to see you.
LUCY
I need your help!
ADAM
Calm down my dear. Sit down. How can I help you?
LUCY, NERVOUSLY, SITS DOWN. SHE HOLDS HER MOBILE PHONE UP.
LUCY
I’m getting those crazy calls!
ADAM
Who from?
LUCY
That’s just it! I don’t know! I’m scared Adam!
ADAM
Christine refuses to check security.
LUCY
It’s too late for that. I think that they are on to me.
ADAM
What would you like me to do?
LUCY
I’m taking up your offer.
ADAM
Marry me?
LUCY
And leave the country under your name. I need to get out as soon as possible Adam.
ADAM
Of course! I shall make the necessary arrangements straight away. You have no idea how happy this makes me.
ADAM RISES AND EXCITEDLY LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
ADAM
We shall travel lightly and leave under the cover of night. Come with me.
LUCY
No, no Adam … I just need your name! I will leave the country alone as soon as possible.
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER, THEY STOP AND WAIT AS A HOUSE MEETING IS IN PROGRESS. AMY SPEAKS TO FORTY GIRLS INCLUDING CHRISTINE, ANTOINETTE, ALEXANDRA, SOPHIE AND CHARLOTTE. THE GIRLS ARE SPRAWLED ON SOFAS, CHAIRS AND ON THE FLOOR. MO SITS ON A CHAIR.
AMY
… Right. Is that clear?
THE GIRLS MURMUR THAT IT IS.
AMY
Next. We have a thief. Sophie’s laptop has been stolen. Is there anyone here who could help me with this?
AMY SURVEYS THE GIRLS.
AMY
No. I didn’t think so. Very well. The thief will be found out in due course. As you know, there are few lessons today. I want every one of you to behave impeccably. This afternoon everyone will get dressed for the winter ball. Without fuss! Is that clear?
THE GIRLS MURMUR THAT IT IS.
AMY
Good! Mrs Pitt, is there anything that you might want to add?
MO PUTS HER NOTES ASIDE AND IS ABOUT TO RISE.
AMY
Apparently not.
MO STOPS IN HER TRACKS AND LOOKS APPALLED AT AMY.
AMY
All right you lot! You can go! Josephine and Beatrice, you must see the Second Master to receive your punishment at once. Antoinette, come with me.
SOME GIRLS MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE EXIT, GLANCING AT ROSIE AND MAGGIE AS THEY PASS. OTHERS HEAD FOR THEIR ROOMS. FOUR GIRLS ENTER THE KITCHEN. JOSEPHINE AND BEATRICE PURPOSELY LOOK UP AND AWAY WHEN THEY PASS THE CLEANERS. ANTOINETTE FOLLOWS AMY.
ANTOINETTE
Don’t tell me. You are blaming me for the thieving, aren’t you?
AMY
What makes you say that?
ANTOINETTE
Pfff, I’m blamed for everything in this stupid school.
AMY OPENS THE DOOR TO HER APARTMENT.
AMY
Come on through.
2. INT. HOUSE APARTMENT LOUNGE DAY
AMY FOLLOWS ANTOINETTE INTO THE LOUNGE.
AMY
Sit down.
ANTOINETTE AND AMY SIT DOWN ON OPPOSITE CHAIRS.
AMY
Well now Antoinette. You have been given one last chance.
ANTOINETTE
See? You’re picking on me again.
AMY
Oh no, young lady! It is not as simple as that! You have overdosed twice this term! Crack cocaine has been found in your room! You are very lucky not to have been expelled!
ANTOINETTE
Expelled? I’m immune to the school’s system!! Don’t you forget the extra ten thousand my parents pay to keep me at this lousy place!
AMY
Poppycock!
ANTOINETTE
Oh yeah! Ha!!!
AMY
One step out of line young lady and I will make absolutely certain that you will be expelled!! You will finish your education in Germany or Switzerland! You know this very well! You toe the line from now on, or else!!!
3. INT. HOUSE KITCHEN SAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER THE KITCHEN. FOUR GIRLS ARE MAKING TOAST.
MAGGIE
Good morning.
THE GIRLS LOOK UP AND AWAY AND WALK OUT OF THE KITCHEN.
ROSIE
Again! They have been like this for days!
MAGGIE
A new fad?
ENTER A SEETHING MO
MO
Did you see that! She deliberately cut me out, the cow! I had a whole list prepared for the girls and she never gave me a chance!!
EXIT A SEETHING MO.
ROSIE
And what was that about?
MAGGIE
She’s in one of her moods. Look!
MAGGIE SHOWS ROSIE PEANUTS, IN THEIR SHELLS, STRINGED TOGETHER ON A LONG THREAD.
4. INT. RECEPTION DAY
CLARE OPENS AND SHUTS BOXES ANGRILY AS MATT ENTERS.
MATT
And how is my little dove today?
CLARE
Not at all happy!
MATT
Why is that my angel?
CLARE
What is the matter with you talking like that!
MATT
Just showing you my affection!
CLARE
They have sent me the wrong flowers!
MATT LOOKS INSIDE ONE OF THE BOXES.
MATT
What’s wrong with them?
CLARE
What’s wrong with them! You men, you are an ignorant lot! Look!
CLARE HOLDS UP A WREATH.
CLARE
They must have accidentally swapped them with a funeral parlour order.
MATT
Phone them and get it put right!
CLARE
I tried that nincompoop! They aren’t answering the phone! What can I do!
MATT
Give me the address and I’ll return them.
CLARE
Would you?
MATT
I’ll do anything for my little sweetie pie.
5. EXT. PARKING LOT DAY
CHRISTINE WALKS TOWARDS GLEN’S FLAT WHEN ADAM STOPS HER.
ADAM
Ah, just the person I was looking for.
CHRISTINE
Mr Parson?
ADAM
I need you to do something for me.
CHRISTINE
Not today, Mr Parson. I’m helping with the winter ball.
ADAM
Well, that has to wait. This is more important.
CHRISTINE
I don’t have the time.
ADAM
Then you must find the time. Check this for me will you? On the Internet?
CHRISTINE LOOKS AT THE NAMES ON A PIECE OF PAPER AS ADAM LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
CHRISTINE
Why should I check out security?
ADAM
Because I’m asking you.
ADAM IMPATIENTLY SUCKS ON HIS PIPE.
CHRISTINE
Well, I’m afraid that you have to ask someone else. I’ve got better things to do.
CHRISTINE BEGINS TO WALK AWAY.
ADAM
I might have a word with the Headmaster if you don’t! About a little matter between you and Glen.
CHRISTINE TURNS.
CHRISTINE
Please Mr Parson don’t do this.
ADAM
You are forcing me!
CHRISTINE
And you are me!
ADAM
Enlighten me please?
CHRISTINE
You might know mine but I know your secret.
ADAM
Do you?
CHRISTINE
If you want to keep Miss Brown here …
ADAM
I see …
CHRISTINE
I read the information I gave you!
ADAM
My dearest girl. What are you trying to say?
CHRISTINE
You know very well what I’m trying to say.
ADAM WATCHES CHRISTINE WHILST SUCKING ON HIS PIPE.
ADAM
Stalemate, what?
6. INT. FLAT BEDROOM DAY
GLEN AND CHRISTINE, PASSIONATELY KISSING, ENTER.
CHRISTINE
A whole day!
GLEN
Just the two of us!
CHRISTINE
We can have a bed day!
GLEN
Bliss!
CHRISTINE
Come on then! Undress!!
CHRISTINE BEGINS TO UNDRESS GLEN AND PULLS HIM ONTO THE BED.
GLEN
Hang on …
CHRISTINE
What!
GLEN PULLS THE DUVET AWAY.
GLEN
I have to check the bed first.
CHRISTINE
What for?
GLEN
Fleas.
7. INT. HOUSE MAIN AREA DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ARE LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW. STRUNG BETWEEN THE SHRUBS ON THE LAWN ARE SEVEN STRINGS OF PEANUTS IN THEIR SHELLS.
MAGGIE
What do you think?
ROSIE
Hmmmmm … Nice?
MAGGIE
You just wait.
ROSIE
Oh?
MAGGIE
My mother and I used to watch them.
ROSIE
A ready made net would do for me.
MAGGIE
This is more fun.
MO APPROACHES.
MO
What are you two doing? Loitering around? No work to do?
MAGGIE
What do you think?
MAGGIE POINTS AT THE PEANUT STRINGS OUTSIDE.
MO
Right.
MO WALKS AWAY.
ROSIE
She doesn’t see the point either.
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s do some work.
8. INT. HOUSE DOUBLE ROOM DAY
MAGGIE AND ROSIE ENTER. TWO GIRLS, SITTING BEHIND THEIR DESK, LOOK AT THEM, LOOK UP IMMEDIATELY, RISE AND AVOIDING THE CLEANERS, EXIT.
MAGGIE
I don’t like this at all.
ROSIE
It’s as if they have put us in Coventry!
MAGGIE
But why? We’ve done nothing wrong?
ROSIE
This has gone on too long.
MAGGIE
Shall we ask Mo?
ROSIE
In her mood?
MAGGIE
Come on. Let’s find Christine. At least she’s sensible.
9. INT. FLAT BEDROOM DAY
CHRISTINE, IN BRA AND THONG, SITS ON A CHAIR AND WATCHES GLEN CHANGING THE BED LINEN.
CHRISTINE
This is the third time you’ve changed the bed.
GLEN
They are everywhere!
CHRISTINE
Well, I can’t see any.
GLEN
There, look another blighter.
CHRISTINE
Look you. If this is what you’re doing the whole day, I don’t see the point in staying.
GLEN
Right. Hop in!
CHRISTINE
Are you sure? No more fleas?
GLEN SWEEPS HER INTO THE BED AND THEY PASSIONATELY KISS.
10. INT. RECEPTION DAY
MATT RETURNES WITH THE BOXES.
CLARE
Finally! What took you so long!
MATT
Bad news I’m afraid.
CLARE LOOKS INTO ONE OF THE BOXES. SHE TAKES A WREATH OUT AND HOLDS IT UP.
MATT
The shop’s closed. It’s shut for a funeral.
CLARE
What am I going to do!
MATT
Don’t despair my little squirrel. Matt is here to help you out.
11. INT. HOUSE OFFICE DAY
MO IS ON THE PHONE.
MO
… I know Lisa … It’s a scandal that the girl is still here … No that cow doesn’t speak to me … Yes … The way she treats me … Yes … I had a written warning … Yes …
THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR AND AMY ENTERS.
MO
Of course … I shall see what I can do … Right away Mr Robinson, thank you.
MO HANGS UP.
MO
Mrs Short. What can I do for you?
AMY
Who was that on the phone Mrs Pitt?
MO
The domestic supplier. Not that it is any of your business of course.
AMY
I thought that Matt dealt with such matters. Or is it tampons you are after?
MO
It is a house matter.
AMY
Quite.
AN AWKWARD SILENCE FOLLOWS. AMY TWIDDLES WITH HER WEDDING RING. MO MOVES PAPERS ON HER DESK.
AMY
I have some bad news.
MO
Oh?
AMY
Yes. I don’t quite know how to say this.
MO
Well, I am listening.
AMY
Josephine and Beatrice have received their punishment.
MO
Is that the bad news, Mrs Short?
AMY
No Mrs Pitt. The bad news for you is that they are gated for the remainder of this term.
MO
What has that to do with me?
AMY
They are not to attend the winter ball.
MO
A reasonable punishment.
AMY
Nor are you.
MO
Excuse me!
AMY
You are to supervise them in the house this evening.
AMY TURNS AND EXITS, LEVING MO GOB SMACKED.
12. INT. COMMON ROOM DAY
ADAM DRINKS COFFEE AND READS THE TIMES NEWSPAPER. ENTER A FLUSTERED LUCY.
LUCY
Adam!
ADAM LOOKS UP FROM HIS NEWSPAPER.
ADAM
Ah, Lucy. Always a pleasure to see you.
LUCY
I need your help!
ADAM
Calm down my dear. Sit down. How can I help you?
LUCY, NERVOUSLY, SITS DOWN. SHE HOLDS HER MOBILE PHONE UP.
LUCY
I’m getting those crazy calls!
ADAM
Who from?
LUCY
That’s just it! I don’t know! I’m scared Adam!
ADAM
Christine refuses to check security.
LUCY
It’s too late for that. I think that they are on to me.
ADAM
What would you like me to do?
LUCY
I’m taking up your offer.
ADAM
Marry me?
LUCY
And leave the country under your name. I need to get out as soon as possible Adam.
ADAM
Of course! I shall make the necessary arrangements straight away. You have no idea how happy this makes me.
ADAM RISES AND EXCITEDLY LIGHTS HIS PIPE.
ADAM
We shall travel lightly and leave under the cover of night. Come with me.
LUCY
No, no Adam … I just need your name! I will leave the country alone as soon as possible.
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