The SOAP
EPISODE 1
It’s early March.
People are inside a new café – a modular building. Late morning.
There are 3 rows of 3 tables. At two of them are four people each. At another there are three people, and at two more there are two people.
At the counter a lady and her friend are being served. There are three more people queuing behind them.
There are two people serving.
Server 1
If it works, and we get the planning permission, we can move to the beach.
Customer 1
That’ll be really lovely. Even when the weather’s rough, it’ll still be nice to sit and watch the sea.
Customer 2
It will be nice. But I hope it won’t bring all the grockles parking here, there and everywhere.
Server 1
If we get that busy, the house prices’ll soar.
Customer 2
Huh. I like this place as the little backwater it is.
Customer 1
To Server 1: Thanks.
To Customer 2: Let’s go and sit down.
Server 1
Next please.
New Scene
Just outside the building
Woman 1
It certainly seems to be taking off.
Woman 2
Yeah, it is today. But will they keep coming when it’s cold and windy and raining buckets?
Woman 1
Good point. We’ll have to wait and see.
Woman 3
Arrives
To Woman 1 + 2: Are you in the queue?
Woman 1
No, love. Not yet. We’re just yacking.
Woman 3
Chuckles
I love the idea of this. Somewhere I can walk to and mix with other people. I’ve been rattling around in that house like a pea in pod since my husband died.
Woman 1
Smiles
It’ll be like our own little community hub, all being well.
New scene
Man 1 is going to his car
Woman 4 is just coming out of her door, through small garden, to gate.
Woman 4
How’s Ellie? Are you going to the hospital?
Andrew
Yes. They’re going to try to wake her up today.
Woman 4
Where’s Sarah?
Andrew
She’s at her mum’s. She wants to come too, so I’m picking them up on the way.
Woman 4
Well, good luck to you all. I hope Ellie is okay.
Andrew
So do I.
He gets into his car and drives away, giving a wave.
Woman 4
Is outside gate. Shuts it behind her.
A middle-aged man and his teenage son are approaching
Andrew’s just going to the hospital. They’re going to try to wake up Ellie today.
Man 2
Oh, I hope it goes okay. You never know what’ll happen when someone’s brain’s been hurt so bad.
The father and son walk on by.
Oliver (Teenage Boy 1)
Dad, do they know who drove into Ellie?
Man 2
Not yet. But I hope they soon catch ‘em. If you hear anyone saying they did it, or they know who did it, you tell me. We’ll tell the police.
Oliver
But supposing they call me a grass? They might run me over next.
Man 2
That’s why you tell me, and I’ll contact the police.
New scene
A woman (Amanda) and her teenage son (Troy) are walking their dog along the beach – Amanda and Troy
Troy
Mum, can we go and have lunch in that new café?
Amanda
I expect it’ll be pretty busy today, being its first day. Everyone’ll want to see what it’s like.
Troy
But can we?
Amanda
Sighs. We’ll have a look when we walk past. See if there’re any seats left. And what the prices are like.
Troy
Yes! I’m starving. Continues walking a bit more
Besides, even if it is a bit pricey, it’ll be a special treat, won’t it.
His mother looks at him and gives a wry smile
New scene – inside café
Two pensioner men are next in the queue to being served
Man 3
Maybe I’d better leave off the beans. Just have the cheese.
Man 4 = Jim
You’ll need your five a day.
Man 3
*Name – wife* will have my guts for garters.
Anyway, do beans count as one of your five a day?
Jim
They do. But potatoes don’t.
Man 3
Potatoes don’t? Are you sure?
Jim
Quite sure. Beans do, potatoes don’t.
Man 3
Oh well, in that case I’ll have beans as well.
They reach the head of the queue. Server 1 is there.
Man 3
A baked potato with cheese and beans, please. And a mug of tea.
Jim
I’ll have exactly the same, please. Ta.
Server 1 moves along to get food. Server 2 takes her place
Server 2
Hello *Man 3*, Jim. You can come and lend us a hand if you want. chuckles
Jim
You’re doing well. Half the village must be here.
Server 2
Aye, and the other half have already been and gone.
Turns to next woman in queue (Woman 6)
Yes, *Woman 6* (younger)
Woman 6
Do you do cappuccino with oat milk?
Server 2
We do.
Woman 6
Brilliant. I’ll have one, please.
Server 2 turns away to the coffee machine
Woman 6
I didn’t know what kind of things you’d be selling on your first day. I thought it might be all builders’ tea and instant coffee.
Server 2
Turns to Woman 6
We thought about it, ‘cos of the capital outlay. But we decided if we’re going to make a go of it we need to provide what the people want.
Woman 7 = Paula
Has just arrived next to Woman 6
Do you do men who don’t let you down?
Server 2 can’t hear because of the machine
Woman 6
Your Barry still being a pain in the arse?
Paula
He was home late again last night. Well, about 7.30. But he was supposed to be back for dinner by 6. It’s just annoying. He said he had to finish a job, but there’s always something with him. Just wears me down.
Server 2 hands her coffee to woman 6.
Paula is next to be served.
Woman 5 enters the café and looks at the menu on the wall.
Turns towards the people holding the 2 baked potatoes ordered earlier.
Smiles at Woman 5, says:
Hiya, “Woman 5 name*. Where’s *Teenage Boy 2 – name*?
Woman 5
He’s just taking *Dog – name* home. I said we could have lunch, if he’s good. Grins
Server 1
As walks to serving hatch with the plates
A bit of bribery is always good with teenagers. Grins
Scene change
Inside the hospital. Man 1 holds the door into a corridor open for *name – wife* and her *mother of wife*
The two women pass him into the small corridor, but Man 1 continues to hold the door open for the Doctor 1 (female) who is arriving, and passes through.
Sarah
Doctor, is it time?
Doctor 1
Won’t be long now. I have to visit another patient, then I’ll be back. *Nurse 1 – name* (male) will be hear in a minute. Take a seat. He can run you through what we’ll be doing.
Doctor 1 strides off.
Man, wife and mother-in-law sit on upright chairs against the wall.
Sarah
Grabs her husband by the arm and pulls him close.
What happens if she doesn’t wake up?
Andrew
We just have to give it time. This is only the first try, so no panicking if she doesn’t come round straightaway.
Mother-in-law
She’s a strong girl. She’ll come round.
Andrew
But they told us it might not happen today, so we have to bear that in mind. We may have to wait another day or two. We mustn’t get our hopes up too quickly.
Sarah
But she will come round, won’t she.
Nurse Daniel comes in through the door they entered. He smiles at the family.
Good afternoon. I expect you’re pretty anxious. But the main thing is to remain calm. Giver *Daughter – name* time. First try today, but she may still be trying to process everything in her sleep, and she may not be ready to wake up yet.
Sarah
But she will wake up, won’t she? She won’t just be a vegetable?
Nurse Daniel
We have every hope. Here numbers are looking good. But, as you know, with brain damage nothing is ever 100%.
Mother-in-law/Nan
But she’s young and strong. She’ll be alright.
Daniel sits next to Mother-in-law, arms on legs, turned towards the family to his left.
She is young and strong, and that is very much in her favour. But sometimes these things take longer than we’d like. We must be patient, and brave. Brave for her, brave for yourselves.
Andrew
Hope for the best, expect the worst.
Doctor Claire approaches from the way she left.
The family all stand up.
Now you wait out here while Daniel and I do what we have to do to give her the best chance. I know it’s hard, but try to relax. Maybe you’d like to fetch coffees from the machine. Even when we call you in, and the best happens, she won’t be waking up immediately. And if she does she’ll be groggy. Patience and calm, are what’s called for.
Doctor Claire and Nurse Daniel go into patient’s room
New scene.
Paula (abt 50) is getting washing out of her machine.
Her husband, Barry, comes in the front door, calling out to her.
We see Paula start to hang washing on an airer as they converse.
Paula
You’re early. Usually you’re late these days.
Barry
Kisses woman on the cheek and goes and puts kettle on (starts to make tea)
Aren’t you glad to see me?
Paula
Are you staying in now or are you off out again in a minute?
Barry
I have to go and measure up for a job later, but I’m all yours for an hour or so.
Paula
Aren’t I the lucky one?
Barry
You know we talked about it when I decided to work for myself. I can’t afford to turn custom away, so if a customer wants my attention, wants me to do this or that, I have to do it and act like it’s a pleasure.
Paula
Looks directly into her husband’s eyes
What about your bit on the side?
Barry
Picks up a mug from the counter and hands it to wife.
There is no bit on the side. Unless they’re paying me. I could be a gigolo, I suppose. But you see the invoices going out and the money coming in. It’s work, and don’t knock it.
New scene
At the hospital
Sarah, her husband Andrew and her mother enter the room where there is an unconscious young woman Ellie) lying on the bed with a breathing tube and monitors attached.
There are two chairs on one side of the bed, the two women sit down. The doctor (Claire) and nurse (Daniel) are on the other side of the patient.
Dr Claire
We’ve prepared everything and reduced the sedative. Now we have to take out her breathing tube. This is the tricky bit. She may respond involuntarily, she may not. She may wake up in a few minutes or an hour, or we may have to put her back on the machine to help her breathe again. Don’t panic whatever happens.
Nurse Daniel
Smiles at the family
Just be prepared to be patient and stay calm. Ok?
The doctor with the assistance of the nurse takes the tube out. There is a momentary bleeping, then the machines settle.
Dr Claire
So far so good. Only time will tell if she’s ready.
Talk to her quietly. Stroke her hand or her arm. But calmly and gently is the way.
New scene
Barry is walking along a road and Woman 8 appears round the corner of an alley. She grins at him. He hurries forward and they disappear into the alley.
They kiss.
End of episode 1
Episode 2
Inside the hospital room:
Daughter (Ellie) is patient in bed, Sarah (mum) + her Mother in the 2 chairs beside her, Andrew (dad) is standing beside his wife, a hand on her shoulder.
Sarah holds Daughter Ellie’s hand in her left hand, and strokes her arm with her right hand
Sarah
Come on, Darling. Mum’s here, and your dad, and Nan. We want you to wake up. You can have plenty more sleep but just wake up for a moment. Let’s see those pretty eyes of yours.
Nan
Oh yes. Show us your lovely eyes. You’ve been asleep a long time, and we want you to wake up now.
Andrew
Wake up, sweetheart. How are you feeling? You were in a nasty accident, but that’s all done now. You’re safe. You don’t have to be frightened. Daddy’s here. Wake up and tell us how you’re feeling.
Sarah
To husband:
She will wake up, won’t she?
Nan
The doctor said we had to be calm and patient. It could take a while.
Sarah
But supposing she doesn’t wake up?
Andrew
Look at her. She’s breathing on her own. We didn’t even know if that would happen. They said they might have to put her on the ventilator again for a while longer, but she’s breathing all by herself.
To his daughter
Aren’t you, sweetheart? You’re strong and brave. No doubt you’re just dreaming and clearing your mind. You’ll come round in your own good time.
They sit quietly.
Change of scene
Inside the pub
Man 3 and 4 sitting at the bar. Server 1 with her man (HusbandS1), at a table. Woman 5, her Teenage Son 2, and the Dad = Husband W5 at another table. 2 young men (20s) are playing darts = Ted + Billy
Behind the counter is Barmaid 1 and Barman 1
Barmaid1
To Man 3 + Jim (at bar):
So do you think it’ll make money?
Jim
I think it will. It was busy today, but then everyone wanted to see what it was like. But I think it’ll do enough trade to keep it ticking over.
Man 3
I thought it might be a bit of an uninspiring greasy spoon, but it was lovely and clean, and they did quite a variety of lunches. I think we’ll be going in there again.
Barman 1
Has just stopped next to Barmaid1 and caught the conversation.
I hope we’re not going to lose all our lunch-time trade. (smiling)
Jim
No chance. They don’t have a booze licence.
Barman 1
That’s alright then.
He moves over to Husband W5
Yes, *name-HW5*
Husband W5
Another pint for me, please, and an orange juice for the wife. Oh, and a packet of cheese and onion crisps for *name TB2*
Barman 1 taps the order into the till, then grabs a glass and starts to pull a pint.
Have you heard anything about young Ellie?
Barman 1
Somebody said they were going to try to wake her up today, but we haven’t heard anything. I hope that’s not a bad sign.
Husband W5
It might not work the first time. They may have to try again tomorrow, or even a third time, I suppose. After that I’d start worrying.
Barman 1
Aye. These things take time, I suppose. Brains are strange and complex things.
He puts the pint on the bar and takes out a glass for the orange juice, then goes to get a bottle of juice and a packet of crisps.
Husband W5
I wonder if they’ll catch who did it. Have you heard anything?
Barman 1
No. Darren said they think they know what the car was, but not the registration number. They reckon it’s a BMW, maybe grey, but it was at night so they can’t tell. Picked it up on CCTV just before it happened, and just after. There were other contenders, but they’re pretty sure it was that one. Gotta check around the garages and mechanics for a car like that with the appropriate damage.
He has poured out the orange juice and holds the card reader out for Husband W5.
Husband W5
Pays with his phone
I’d certainly like to know who did it. Mind you, I’d like to do it to him, see how he likes it, but that wouldn’t make me any better, would it?
He turns to walk back to his family
Barman 1
No. The rest of us have to keep out of trouble.
BarmaiD 1
To Man 3 and Man 4
I didn’t know you had one of those. Does the track take over a whole room?
Man 3
It’s up in the loft. The wife didn’t want me using the spare bedroom in case one of the kids comes home.
Jim
My wife’s the same. Always hoping the kids will come back. Well, come to stay. She wouldn’t want their marriages breaking up, or whatever you call them these days. But she’d like them to have to spend a bit of time in the spare room. She says, maybe they’ll have a burst pipe and need somewhere to stay.
Man 3
I think that’s what mine thinks, or hopes. Doesn’t want anything bad to happen to them, just wants them to need her, come home to mum and dad so we can look after them for a bit.
BarmaiD 1
We women are like that. Never want to let go of the apron strings. Need someone to cluck over. Maybe you two ought to be at home more, let them make a fuss of you.
Man 3
No thanks. She does enough fussing. It wasn’t so bad when I went out to work, but now she says I get under her feet and make the place look untidy. (laughs)
New scene
Husband Barry (who’s been with his girlfriend) comes in, calls out.
Hi, love
Paula
How did the quote go? Was the job any good?
Barry
It could be a good earner, but I don’t know if I’ve got it. I need to look into a few things, materials, and how to do one thing. I don’t want to under quote and then it take me another day. But I’ve given them an idea.
Paula
What do they want doing?
Barry
They want to put a shower in their downstairs loo. Well, the wife would prefer a bath, she says. But it’s the drainage, and taking away the existing door and wall… Not so straightforward.
Woman 7
Oh well, better work it out carefully, then.
Change Scene. In the pub.
2 late teen girls enter and walk over to the 2 young men playing darts.
Billy
Here comes your missus.
Ted
With yours in tow, if you want her.
Billy
Really? Not sure I do though.
(TeenGirl 1) Laura
Thought we’d come in here so you can buy us a drink. (smiles)
Ted
Sit down. We’ll just finish this game.
Hello, Amy.
TeenGirl 2 Amy
Hello, Ted, alright? Billy?
Billy
Hiya. Be with you in a minute. I’ll just finish thrashing Ted.
The teen girls sit down, the young men finish their game with a cheer and a moan.
They take the darts back to the bar
Ted
What are you two ladies having?
Amy
I’ll have half a cider, please.
Laura
I’ll just have an orange juice, please.
Billy
To Ted
She on a health kick or something? She’s off her booze lately.
Ted
Yeah, she is. Probably worrying about her weight. You know what women are like. And let’s face it, she’s got to keep my interest, knowing they’re queuing round the block to get a date with me.
Billy
You wish.
You reckon Amy could be interested in me?
Ted
Don’t see why not. She’s only started coming out with Laura recently. Since she’s met you, I reckon.
The two young men chuckle and get served.
New Scene – The Hospital Room. The Dad/Husband (ANDREW) is given an extra chair for him to sit on by a nurse – he thanks her and sits.
He holds Ellie’s left hand, the mother holds the right.
Andrew
Do you feel like waking up yet, sweetheart?
Maybe you could squeeze my hand. Or just move the tip of a finger.
Ellie lightly squeezes both her hands.
Sarah + Andrew
Gasp
Andrew
That’s it. Did you squeeze both are hands?
Sarah
Oh darling, well done, well done.
Ellie, we know you’re still very tired, so that was really good.
The Nan
Oh, special girl. Well done. You’ve been so brave. When you’re ready, we can’t wait to see you open your eyes.
Sarah
Andrew, go and get the nurse!
To her daughter
That’s it, Ellie. Let yourself wake up now. You don’t have to do anything. I know you want to sleep but you’ve got plenty of time for that.
The Nan
We just want you to see we’re here for you. So if you can… Open your eyes.
A short while passes. The Dad rushes in with a nurse behind him.
Andrew
Has she done anything else?
Sarah
Not yet. But she will. I know she will. She squeezed – oh!
Ellie’s eyelids flicker, stop, and flicker again. Ellie opens her eyes, lids still droopy.
All in room make encouraging remarks.
Nurse Daniel
I’ll go and find the doctor.
Sarah
Ellie, Ellie, it’s mum. Can you see me?
Andrew
Daddy’s over here, sweetheart.
Nan
Nan’s here too.
The three adults stare at Ellie as her eyes flicker some more, gradually becoming open.
She stares at the ceiling.
Sarah
That’s it, Ellie.
Can you look over this way? Look at me?
In silence, Ellie slowly moves her head to her right, towards the mum and nan.
She blinks a bit and tries to focus.
Dr Claire comes in briskly, followed by Nurse Daniel.
Ellie’s gaze wanders back to her centre, vaguely towards the doctor and nurse.
Dr Claire
Oh, lovely, Ellie. You’re eyes are open.
Dr Claire moves round to Ellie’s left side- Andrew gets up and moves out of her way.
Would you like a little sip of water, Ellie?
Nurse Daniel pours water from a jug into a cup with a straw and hands it to the doctor.
Dr Claire gently bands the straw down and holds it for Ellie to see. Then puts her hand under Ellie’s head and hold the tip of the straw to her mouth.
Ellie takes a tiny sip then coughs.
Well done, Ellie. Your mouth and throat are going to be dry and feel odd at the moment. You had a breathing tube in for a few days. Do you remember any of that?
Sarah
Ellie, can you talk?
Ellie slowly turns her head towards Sarah. Her mouth moves a little bit.
Would you like some more water?
Sarah reaches her hand out for the cup, takes it. Carefully, she lifts Ellie's head and holds the straw to her mouth.
Again, Ellie takes a small sip. A shorter cough.
Andrew
Ellie, sweetheart, can you talk? Don’t worry if it’s too soon. But…
He turns to the doctor:
Will she be able to talk?
Dr Claire
I don’t see why not. She’s doing very well indeed. But everything is going to be hard work for her at the moment, and for a while.
Remember, patience and calm.
Sarah
Ellie? Do you know who I am?
Ellie stares at Sarah’s face, then looks to the cup.
Sarah gives her some more water.
Ellie lays her head back on the pillows
Sarah
Ellie?
Andrew
Moves over so he is almost in Ellie’s gaze.
Ellie? Sweetheart? Do you know who I am? (he smiles)
Ellie
Slowly turns her head to the left a little, looks waveringly at her dad. Puts her head back so she’s looking at the ceiling.
I don’t know.
Nan
That’s my girl. You spoke. First time in days. Well done.
Andrew
But what did she mean, ‘I don’t know’?
Sarah
Ellie. It’s mum. Do you remember me?
Ellie
(close up)
No.
Closing scene is parents and nan looking aghast, and Dr Claire and Nurse Daniel frowning.
End of Episode 2
EPISODE 3 (6.12.25)
Scene: Inside the new café
Server 1 is serving, Server 2 is preparing something
Woman 4 is being served (spoke to Andrew previous day when he was going to the hospital to see how his daughter Ellie was getting on).
Woman 3 is next – the widow who lives alone.
Woman 4
Hey, guess what? Andrew said Ellie woke up yesterday. Breathing on her own. She has feeling all over her body and seems to be able to move everything.
Server 1
Really? Oh, that is good news. If you see Andrew or Sarah before me, send them my love, won’t you, and that I’m thinking of them all.
Woman 4
There’s just one problem. She can’t remember anything yet. Well, it was into the evening when she came round, and of course she was groggy and sleepy. Hopefully, she’ll be a bit more like her normal self today.
Woman 3
Ellie’s lost her memory?
Woman 4
I expect it’s just temporary. Can’t remember what happened to her and how she ended up in the hospital, I expect.
Woman 3
Oh, I hope that’s all it is. Wouldn’t it be awful if she was like one of those people you hear about on the news and she doesn’t recognise anyone or know what her name is.
Woman 4
Or can only speak with a foreign accent.
Server 1
Places a mug of coffee in front of Woman 4, and a small cake on a plate.
I’m sure she’ll be fine. You know what it’s like when you wake up from a heavy sleep, especially if you’ve been dreaming. It takes a while to come round. Well, it does with me. A coma must be so much worse.
Woman 4
I know what you mean. I haven’t a clue what day it is half the time when I wake up.
Picks up her drink and food and heads to a table
Woman 3
Moves up in front of Server 1
I wish I could share your optimism. You do hear such dreadful things about people having a brain injury.
The police need to know who did this to her. There don’t seem to be any witnesses.
Server 1
I hope *police officer* comes in soon and we can ask him all about it. They may have got some information from the traffic cameras… or maybe some outside shops, or those doorbell ones.
What can I get you *name*?
Woman 3
I’ll have a tea and an iced bun, please. One of those spicy ones with the cinnamon.
Server 1 Turns her back on W3 as she starts to make tea
I might pop round to see Sarah, or maybe *police officer* later. See how Ellie really is doing, and if she’s been able to tell them anything.
Scene changes.
Barry (the cheat) is by some shops. He and his girlfriend Amber are approaching each other.
He looks around quickly, then goes up to her, puts his hands on her shoulders, and gives her a quick kiss on the lips.
Barry
Hmm. You’re a joy for a man’s heart you.
Amber
Gives him a light, playful shove.
Give over. I’m still just the other woman, so I can’t be that special.
Barry
You know how it is for me. I can’t just up and leave when we’ve got the kids still in Middle school. They’ll understand better once they reach high school. Look forward to then, when we can live together. No more sneaking around.
Amber
I’ll believe it when I see it.
That’s a year and a half away at best.
Barry
But if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.
If you get tired of me by then, well, it wouldn’t have worked out anyway. I don’t want to make the same mistake again and rush into something. It’s got to be true love. And I love you.
Amber
Well, I love you. But I’m probably mad waiting for you.
But kids need a stable life, I get that.
Barry
What happens to a person in their childhood affects the whole rest of their life, you know that.
Amber
I know.
Anyway, I’ve got to get to work. Ring me later?
Barry
I will.
They walk past each other and away.
Scene changes.
At the hospital.
Ellie is in bed, Andrew and Sarah are sat to one side of her.
Ellie rolls away from them.
Andrew
Well, don’t worry about it, Ellie. It will come back to you. You’ve just got to give it time.
Sarah
Dabs at tears with a tissue.
I’ll bring some photos in later. Of your bedroom and your favourite things. You’ll soon be remembering again.
She turns and buries her head in her husband’s shoulder and cries quietly.
Dr Claire
Enters room
Hello, Ellie. It’s Dr Claire.
She walks round to the side Ellie is facing.
How are you feeling?
Ellie
We see she has tears on her face. She speaks quietly.
My head still hurts. And I don’t know who I am. I can’t remember anything.
Dr Claire
Try not to let it stress you. These things take time, so let’s take it step by step.
She takes the chart from the end of the bed and reads it.
I can give you some more pain relief for your head. How’s the rest of your poor bruised body?
Ellie
It aches, but it’s not too bad if I don’t move. But my head throbs, and it feels like it’s going to burst.
Dr Claire
I’ll give you something to help you relax, too.
Sleep if you can. I’ll be back in a minute.
She goes out of the room, Andrew and Sarah follow.
Andrew
We’ll be back in a minute, sweetheart. We’ll just have a word with the doctor, then go and get some coffee. Do you want anything?
Ellie
Quietly. No
Andrew
Okay. Try and sleep. It’s very healing.
He leaves the room and joins his wife and the doctor outside, a little away from the room
Sarah
To Andrew
She doesn’t know who we are, Andrew!
Doctor
It’s not necessarily permanent. It’s very early doors yet.
Andrew
Puts his arm around Sarah’s shoulders
We have to be brave for her, love.
Scene changes
Teenage Girls 1 + 2 = Laura and Amy
Walking along the street (going home from work in retail)
Amy
Well, at least the area manager didn’t see it.
You want to come round to mine for a coffee and a sarnie?
Laura
Eurgh, I’ve gone right off coffee. I’ll have a nice glass of cold milk if you’ve got some. Or we could get some so we don’t annoy your mum. Get some salt and vinegar crisps too. I’d rather have them than a sarnie. I had cheese sandwiches for lunch.
Amy
Since when did you stop drinking coffee by the bucketful?
Laura
I don’t know. Just gone off it lately. I prefer cold drinks at the moment.
Amy
What are you going to be like when the weather really starts to warm up?
Laura
Laughs
I’ll be eating ice lollies then!
Amy
You can have some of those slushies that make your tongue go blue!
She laughs too.
Scene changes
Woman 5 – Amanda, and her teenage son – Troy - are in their house, in a square kitchen diner.
Their dog is on the settee
Troy is at the table, Amanda is doing something with vegetables
Troy
Mum, my leg aches
Amanda
Not turning round
Did you bang it or strain it?
Troy
I don’t think so.
Amanda
How long has it been hurting?
Troy
I’m not sure. It’s just started getting worse.
Amanda
Turns to Troy
Maybe give it a rub. Are there any bumps or sore bits?
Troy
Rubbing his leg at the knee and shin
It’s kind of my knee, but the pain goes down a bit too.
Amanda
Are you going to be alright if I go out this evening?
Troy
Yeah. I’m not saying it to stop you
Amanda looks thoughtful, twisted mouth
Scene changes back to the hospital.
Ellie looks to be asleep; her mum and dad are sitting beside her.
A man comes in (a detective they know) - Darren
Darren
Coming in quietly; speaks quietly
Hi. How’s she doing?
Sarah
Quietly
Oh, Darren, she doesn’t remember us. She says she doesn’t remember who she is.
Andrew
Pats his wife’s leg
Don’t worry so much. Give her time. Her poor head’s been through a lot.
Darren
So she’s not going to be able to answer any of my questions…
Andrew
Not just yet.
Do you have any clues?
Darren
There’s one particular car that the cameras have picked up in the right place at the right time. But we can’t see the number plate.
Do you know anyone with a BMW? Looks grey on the footage, but it was pretty dark round there.
Sarah
Do you think someone did it deliberately? To our Ellie?
Darren
No, that’s unlikely. But we want to find out who owns the car.
Andrew
Who was driving it, at least.
Darren
Yes. Got to consider if she upset anyone, or… may have been messing about with someone in a car like that. A young lad maybe.
Sarah
Frowns
I can’t imagine she’d do anything to risk an accident
Andrew
Puts his hand on Sarah’s leg again
I’m sure she didn’t
Darren
We’d just be glad of any clue at the moment. Let me know if anything comes to you, won’t you.
Andrew
Of course. See ya.
Darren leaves; scene ends
New scene: Man 4 – Jim – is walking along the road with what looks like chips wrapped up in paper
He sees Barry (the cheat) hugging a woman. As he gets closer his face shows some shock
Jim
Barry?
Barry
Turns towards the voice
Steps back from the girlfriend – Amber
Jim. This isn’t what it looks like.
Amber
Dad?
Episode 3 ends
EPISODE 4
Jim
To Amber, his daughter
Amber, what are you doing? Barry’s married and well you know it.
Barry
Jim, we were only messing about. There’s nothing for the wife to worry about.
He turns to Amber
I’ll see you, Amber.
Have a good evening both of you.
He walks away
Amber
Oh dad, I was only flirting. I can’t help it sometimes. Now harm done.
Jim
Well, I hope that’s all it was. He’s got two kids as well, don’t forget.
Amber
Links her arm through Jim’s
I know. Anyway, is that chips you’ve got there?
They walk out of view
New Scene
In the pub
Darren the police detective is at the bar speaking to the barmaid – Lesley
Darren
Well, it looked grey. The footage was in colour, but you know what it’s like, any photo or video when it’s dark. Everything looks grey.
We’re sure it was a BMW, though. Just caught a glimpse of the logo on the bonnet.
Lesley (barmaid)
Do you want me to ring the bell so you can ask if anyone’s seen a BMW about that’s probably grey? Or what else might it be? Blue? Silver?
Darren
It wouldn’t have been a bright silver or a light shade. Maybe a dull silver, or a deep green or blue, or maroon. Those sorts of shades.
Lesley
Rings the bell behind the bar
Listen up ladies and gents.
Darren here has been trying to work out what car knocked young Ellie over. From CCTV footage in the area he thinks it’s a BMW, and it looks grey, but it was nighttime, so it could have been deep blue or green or a dull silver, or…
She looks at Darren
Darren
Yeah, maybe maroon. You know how it is when something’s filmed at night. Not easy to tell exactly. It looked grey, but we’re not ruling out other colours that looked grey.
(New) Eric
How’s Ellie? Can she remember anything? Did she see the car?
Darren
She may have seen the car, but she can’t remember anything. She can’t even remember who she is yet.
(With Eric) Sandra
What really? Can’t remember her name and that?
Eric
No, you mean she can’t remember anything about the accident, don’t you, Darren.
Darren
Unfortunately, she really can’t remember anything. She didn’t know what her name is. She doesn’t recognise Sarah and Andrew. Nothing.
Sandra
That’s awful. Poor kid. Poor Sarah and Andrew.
Amanda (Troy's Mum)
It’s just temporary, though, surely?
Darren
We don’t know yet.
Sandra
Oh, Amanda, can you imagine if that happened to your Troy? Sarah must be terrified.
Lesley
Imagine how Ellie feels. Imagine not knowing who you are, who your family are, or where you live. Nothing. Well, I can’t imagine it actually. I hope they’ve got her well drugged.
Darren
I’m sure they have. It’s only been twenty-four hours, if that, since they brought her round.
Jason
A smartish man enters, looks around briefly, then walks over to Amanda.
Hello, love. Drink?
Amanda
I’m alright, Jason. I’ve only just arrived and bought this. She nods to her glass of white wine.
Jason goes to the bar
Jason
A pint, please, Lesley.
Lesley
Reaches for a glass and starts to pour as she talks
You don’t know anyone with a BMW, do you?
Jason
They’re quite popular. Mostly with men who aren’t married. Bit pricey. Why?
Lesley
We’re looking for one that looked grey on the CCTV at nighttime. Knocked over Ellie.
Jason
Oh. I’ll try to remember to keep my eyes peeled.
Scene changes
Hospital room. Ellie in bed, just Sarah with her.
Sarah
Is holding Ellie’s hand, strokes the hair out of her face
Oh Ellie. I love you so much. So does your dad. And your nan. We can’t wait to have you back home with us.
Ellie
Turns her head toward Sarah and tries to roll towards her, but flinches. She starts to cry.
I wish I could remember you. I want my mum, but you don’t feel like my mum.
She tries to roll towards Sarah a bit more
Sarah
I am your mum, Ellie. And I’m here like a mum should be. I’m going to look after you whether you remember me or not.
Ellie
I’m scared
She manages to roll over enough to touch Sarah’s arm a moment
Sarah
Takes hold of both Ellie’s hands
Your mum’s here, darling. You don’t have to be afraid. Just believe me, I am your mum. And you have a dad. He’s been here a lot by your side. And your nan was here, too. Do you remember her here when you woke up.
Ellie
Yes. I remember there was another woman here. She’s my nan? Do I have a grandad?
Sarah
I’m afraid not, not on my side of the family. Nan’s husband, your grandad dies a few years back. But you have a grandad and a grandma on your dad’s side of the family. They live in Ireland.
Ellie
Gentle tears continue to course down her face and she looks thoughtful.
Are we in England?
Sarah
That’s right, darling. See, you remember some things. It’ll come back to you.
Ellie
Do I have any brothers or sisters?
Sarah
No, love. You’re an only child. Well, more a young woman these days. Do you know how old you are?
Ellie
I feel about… eighteen, something like that.
Sarah
Not a bad guess. It must be in your head somewhere. You’re actually nineteen now. You had a birthday last month.
Ellie
Will I remember it all, ever?
Sarah
Yes, I’m sure you will. But you were knocked over by a car and you took a bad crack to your head. You’ve been in an induced coma. It’ll take a while for you to get over that.
Ellie
Who knocked me over? Where was I? How did it happen?
Sarah
You were coming home from college. It was dark. And you got hit by a car. They’re trying to find out who was driving it.
Ellie
Was it just an accident, or did someone… do it deliberately? Is someone trying to kill me?
Sarah
No, love. But they must be a pretty bad person. It was a hit and run. They just left you. Probably scared of getting into trouble. Maybe they were drunk or something. Someone put some rubbish out nearby and saw you lying there.
Ellie
I want you to be my mum. I wany my mum. I want to feel safe. I’m so scared not knowing anything.
Sarah
Lifts her hands up and kisses them
I know, Ellie, I know. You will remember. Just give it time. Try not to think about it.
Scene fades out
New Scene
Amanda comes home, entering the house quietly, with Jason. They go through to the kitchen. Jason sits on the sofa and Amanda sets about making coffee.
A noise is heard on the stairs. Amanda frowns.
Troy comes in, followed by the dog.
Amanda
Troy! Are you alright?
Troy
My leg still hurts, and it’s red now. I think I must have banged it.
He takes in the room and sees Jason
Hello, Jason.
Jason
What have you done to yourself, Troy? Do you remember?
Troy
He hobbles over to the sofa
I was chasing Dog. I went into the edge of the bench in the garden. I forgot I’d done that.
Amanda
Get a pack of frozen peas out of the freezer and wraps them in a towel, takes it over to Troy
Here, hold this on where it hurts the most.
Troy
What is it?
Amanda
Frozen peas. It’ll help take the swelling down.
Troy
Peas?
Jason
It’s like an ice pack. But peas are small so you can bend them over your poor leg.
Troy
Does as he’s been told
I thought you meant the peas would make it better!
He chuckles
Scene ends
New scene
The Pub
Ted (abt 21) and Laura (abt 18) enter, go to the bar
Barman Ed (40)
White wine and a pint, is it?
Ted
Thanks
Laura
No. I don’t fancy white wine. I’ll have… er…
Ed starts pulling the pint
Have you got peppermint cordial? Someone once gave me Coke and peppermint, and it was really nice. Stopped it being to fizzy.
Ed
I’ll have a look for you. I think there’s a bottle somewhere.
He finishes the pint and goes off to look
Ted
You’re drinking some funny stuff lately.
Laura
Yeah, I know. I went back to Laura’s after college yesterday, and I didn’t want coffee. I wanted cold milk. She said what was I going to do when we got hot weather! Giggles
Ted
So it’s not so much the taste as the temperature? You just want cold drinks?
Laura
Yeah. Weird, isn’t it? It just seems more refreshing.
Ted
I always said you were mad.
They both chuckle
Ed reappears with a new bottle of peppermint cordial
Ed
We got some. I’ll open it especially for you, Laura. Don’t know when anyone ever asked for it last.
Scene moves over to people at a table: Jim, daughter Amber, mother Diane
Diane
I was in the new café this morning, again. I like it in there. I take a magazine and just sit with a cup of tea. It feels like a real break.
Jim
It’s nicer in there than it looks from the outside, isn’t it? You know, with it just being a Portakabin thing.
Amber
I haven’t been in there yet. Do they do meals, or just tea and cakes?
Jim
Aye. I was with Tom, and we had baked potatoes. He thought potatoes count as one of your five a day, but that beans don’t. chuckles
Diane
Didn’t you have cheese?
Jim
Oh aye, potato, beans and cheese. And a nice mug of tea. I was impressed.
Amber
Real cordon bleu! Do they do chips and salad cream.
Jim
I’m sure they do. You’ve loved that since you were knee high to a grasshopper.
Amber
Better than tomato sauce or mayonnaise any day.
Jim
Conspiratorially to Diane
I saw this young lady flirting with a married man yesterday. I didn’t tell you, did I?
Amber
Oh dad. I was only messing.
Diane
Oh, who was that then?
Jim
Barry.
Diane
You want to be careful with him. Paula’s always moaning about him, coming in late, not being where he’s supposed to be. I think he’s a lady’s man.
Amber
Well he’s out of bounds, isn’t he. I was just having a joke.
Scene moves over to Man 1, Wife and Teenage Son 2
TS 2
Have they found who ran over Ellie yet?
Man 1
Nope. I hear they’re looking for a BMW, but they don’t have the registration number, and they think it’s grey, but it might just look grey on the camera at night.
TS 2
A BMW? I’m gonna look out for one.
Wife/Mum
You’ll keep away. Don’t want you getting run over.
Man 1
I told him, he’s just to let us know if he hears anything.
TS 2
But I could walk about a look for a BMW that looks greyish, and make a not of the number in my notebook if I see any.
Man 1
You were worried about being tracked down as a grass yesterday!
TS 2
Well, we were talking about it at school, and they reckon there might be a reward. So we all want to find out who did it.
Wife/Mum
You don’t want to find out for poor Ellie’s sake, then?
TS 2
Well, I do. But it would be sweet to get a reward.
New Scene
Reception at Police Station
There’s a uniformed officer behind the counter.
A man in his 40s comes in and goes to speak to the officer.
Man (mechanic)= Mike
I’d like to talk to someone about that hit-and-run and the girl who got knocked over.
Officer 1
Picks up phone, presses a button, speaks into phone
Someone here wants to talk about the hit-and-run
He puts down the phone
If you’d like to take a seat, someone will be with you soon.
Darren (Detective)
Comes into Reception from behind
Mike, hi. You want to come through?
They both walk out of the reception
We see them arrive in an interview room
Take a seat. What have you got for me?
Mike
Well, because you said to let you know about any BMWs with a dent?
Darren
Has someone brought one in?
Mike
Yes. This afternoon. A woman. I think I know who she’s shacked up with, too. There’s a bit of damage on the nearside wing.
Darren
Does a reverse air punch
You beauty!
What colour?
Mike
Grey
Darren
Who’s she shacked up with?
Mike
I don’t know his name, but I’ve seen him hanging around with Barry from our street.
Episode 4 ends
EPISODE 5
It’s Christmas morning
Amanda and Troy’s house (+ Dog)
Amanda
Good morning, sleepy head. Happy Christmas!
Troy
Is limping, Dog is bouncing around him.
My leg still hurts, mum. And it’s gone fatter.
Amanda
Sit down. Let me have a proper look.
Troy sits at the table and rolls up his trouser leg, and Amanda kneels down to look – it’s very swollen from the knee halfway down the shin.
Oh dear, that does look bad. Does it hurt to touch?
Troy
Yes, it does. Don’t touch it.
Amanda
Oh, my poor boy. We’re going to have to get a doctor to look at that. It looks too red and puffy. You might need antibiotics.
Troy
Shall I go and get dressed?
Amanda
Yes, you do that. I’ll see if there’s a GP available. Else we’ll have to go to the hospital, I’m afraid.
Troy
I just want it to stop hurting.
Amanda
I know you do. Not even interested in your Christmas presents?
Troy
When my leg stops hurting.
Troy hobbles out of the room.
Amanda looks worried and picks up her phone.
New Scene
In Ellie’s hospital room.
Mum Sarah, Dad Andrew, and Ellie’s Nan come in.
Nan
Hello, Darling. How are you today?
Sarah
Walks over and grasps Ellie’s hand
You remember I’m your mum now, don’t you? Because I told you.
Ellie
Yes. I can remember what’s happened since I woke up. Well, I think so.
Sarah
This here’s your Nan. Remember she was with us when you first woke up?
Ellie
Looks at Nan. Gives a small, wan smile.
Hello, Nan.
Andrew
Comes round in front of the women and kisses Ellie on the forehead
Happy Christmas, Ellie. I’m your dad. I think you know that now, don’t you?
Ellie
I know, Mum told me. And you told me, I think. I’m sorry I don’t remember you before my accident.
Andrew
Don’t you worry about it. We wouldn’t be allowed in here if we weren’t your family. So just trust us, and you’ll start remembering in your own sweet time.
The adults sit down – Mum and Nan on one side, Dad on the other.
Nan
It’s looking pretty in here, with the decorations. Did you remember it was Christmas, Ellie? Or only because of all this?
She waves her arm at the metallic streamers up high.
Ellie
It doesn’t feel like Christmas. But they told me it was, when they put the decorations up.
Sarah
We’ve got you some presents. Nothing much while you’re in here. You can have the rest when you come home.
She reaches into a big bag.
Starting with chocolates and mince pies we can all dip into.
And here’s a card, Ellie.
Ellie
Opens the card, gives a little smile, and stands it on the unit beside her.
Thanks. It’s pretty.
Andrew
Takes a small, wrapped parcel from his jacket pocket
This is specially from me, for my little girl.
Ellie
Again a small, uncertain smile
Thank you.
She unwraps it and finds a jeweller’s box. She opens it and smiles. It’s a bracelet with a cat on it.
Thanks. I love cats!
Andrew
Yes, I know you do. And you just remembered something.
Ellie
Looks a little uncertainly at her dad.
Was that a memory? I… I just knew I liked cats. Have we got a cat?
Sarah
Yes, we’ve got two cats, Penny and Pound. You love them and they love you. They often sleep on your bed.
Ellie
Two? Have you got a photo of them?
Sarah
Takes her phone out of her bag and taps on it. Shows Ellie a photo.
That’s you with both of them. Do you recognise them?
Ellie
They are so sweet. Which one is Penny and which one is Pound?
Nan
Leaning forward
See if you can tell us. Penny is a little girl, and Pound is a boy.
Take a good look…
Ellie
Takes the phone from Sarah’s hand and studies the photo. Eventually -
Is this one Penny?
Nan
That’s right, it is. Do you recognise her now?
Ellie
No. I don’t think so. I thought she looked like a girl, and this one [she points at the other cat in the photo], he looks more like a boy.
Andrew
A light chuckle.
I wouldn’t have been able to tell which ones a boy or a girl. I think deep down you remember, but it’s going to take a while to work it all out.
Do you recognise yourself?
Ellie
Erm… Well, I know it’s me. I’ve seen myself in the mirror a lot of times. Every time I go into the bathroom. And Mum said it was me.
Sarah
I think your dad’s right. The memories are still there, they just need time to get back to the surface of your poor bruised brain.
Scene closes as Ellie looks searchingly at the photo.
New scene
Outside the pub. Amber is approaching up the road, and Barry crosses towards her.
Barry
Merry Christmas, Amber.
Amber
Merry Christmas.
They check around them and hold hands, giving a squeeze, briefly, then they are about to go into the pub, Barry first. Amber hangs back.
Barry enters and goes to the bar.
Amber arrives a minute later and goes over to her dad, Jim, and her mum, Diane.
Amber
Pint, Dad? Mum?
Jim
Yes, please, love. Thanks.
Diane
I’ll have another mulled wine, please. It’s lovely.
Amber
Looking at her mother’s glass.
Looks like you’ve got a snack in there!
Then she walks to the bar.
To Lesley:
Happy Christmas, Lesley. Did Santa bring you what you wanted?
Lesley
Well, so far, the only thing I’ve found in my stocking is my leg.
They both laugh.
Scene changes
New scene
The hospital’s A & E – Amanda and Troy arrive.
The waiting room is half full.
Amanda
You sit down, sweetheart, and I’ll go and tell the receptionist.
We see Amanda talk to the receptionist, and Troy limp over to a chair.
Amanda comes and sits beside Troy.
We’ve got a bit of a wait, but it shouldn’t be too bad, as you’re a child.
Troy
I’m not a little kid.
Amanda
I know. But they prioritise the young and the old.
Troy
Can I have my tablet?
Amanda
Reaches into a tote bag, hands a tablet to Troy, and holds onto her own.
I’m going to see if I can break my personal best at solitaire.
Troy
Scrunches up his face at his mother.
You’re so old.
Andrew
Andrew comes into the area from an interior corridor and heads to a snack machine.
Oh, hello, Amanda. Troy.
Are you alright?
Troy
I banged my leg, now it’s swollen up and hurts like sh… hell.
Andrew
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure they’ll have you sorted in no time. Well, once you get to see a doctor. But they prioritise children --
Troy
I’m not a kid!
Andrew
Sorry. No. I didn’t mean that. But people under about twenty are more vulnerable. Like people over sixty, thereabouts. Do you know, your brain won’t mature yet for several years. It’s just biology.
Troy scowls
Amanda
Smiles/ chuckles, looking at Andrew.
I made the mistake of referring to him as a child, too.
How’s your Ellie doing? I’ve heard she’s awake and talking.
Andrew
Yes, she is. She seems like she’s recovering well. But she still can’t remember us, or anything about herself, really.
Amanda
Poor thing. It must be frightening. Send her our love, and to Sarah. I’ll be thinking of you all.
Scene Ends
New Scene
At home – Laura, her not-seen-before mum and dad, Arnie and Carol, in the lounge.
Laura comes into the room looking unwell.
Carol
Were you sick, Laura?
Laura
Nods her head then holds it in her hands.
Yes. Oh, I shouldn’t have done that. I feel really queasy.
Arnie
Have you been tucking into that big mound of Christmas chocolate already? What did you have for breakfast? Coffee creams?
Laura
Holds her hand across her middle, groans, and heads for the sofa.
Oh, don’t Dad. You’ll start me off again.
Carol
Aren’t they your favourite anymore? I remember you were about twelve when you discovered coffee, and coffee anything has been your number one since.
Laura
Not at the moment. Dad, can you get me a drink of water? Is there some in the fridge? I need ice cold water.
Arnie
Rising from his armchair
It sounds like too much of the Christmas spirit, then. What were you drinking last night?
Laura
Rests an elbow on the arm of the sofa and drops her head in it.
Actually, I wasn’t drinking alcohol. I had lemonade with a bit of lime, and lots of ice.
Arnie
Jim leaves the room
That’s what they all say.
Carol
Frowning at Laura
Have you got a temperature? Or a sore throat?
Laura
No. I don’t feel like I’m getting a cold, and I don’t think I’m hot. I just feel sick. And tired.
Carol
Aw, you poor thing. And on Christmas Day. Well, don’t worry about missing out on the food, because we have so much. If the whole street visited, they couldn’t eat it all.
Laura
Wriggles down, puts a cushion on the sofa arm, and rests her head on it, closing her eyes.
I can’t imagine ever wanting to think about food again.
The doorbell rings. Laura groans. Carol gets up to open it.
Carol
From the hallway
Oh, hello, Ted. Happy Christmas. Come in. That’s if you dare. Laura’s feeling sick.
We hear feet wiping on the doormat and the door closing, and Carol and Ted coming to the room, encountering Arnie
Arnie
Out of the room
Hello, Ted. Merry Christmas
He comes into the lounge and hands Laura a glass of water with ice cubes.
Here, y’are love. Didn’t have any water in the fridge, so I put ice cubes in. Should be nice and refreshing.
Laura
Pulls herself up to curl against the arm of the sofa.
Thanks, Dad.
Carol
Enters the room
Visitor for you, Laura. Are you up to it?
Laura looks to see who it is, and Ted comes over to her.
Ted
You feeling rotten? Too many chocolates?
Laura
Smiles weakly.
No, I haven’t had anything to eat yet. I just feel sick.
Ted
Puts his hand to her forehead.
Are you hot? Oh, no. Got a headache or anything?
Laura
No, nothing else. She sips some water. Ooh, this tastes good. I think I’m feeling a bit better.
Ted
Sits down next to Laura
Well, that gives you an excuse not to come to ours. Me mum said to ask you, but I said I was sure you’d be having lunch with your parents. Maybe you’d like to come over teatime. See how you feel.
Laura
I don’t think I’m quite up to getting excited about food yet. But it’ll be nice to go to yours for a bit. Later.
End of scene.
New scene
We see Amber washing her face in the pub loos, and wiping her mouth. She feels sick – so we can see that in her expression.
She goes out into the bar, returning to her parents, Jim and Diane.
Diane
Looks up at Amber
You look a bit pale, love. Are you okay?
Amber
Resuming her seat
Yeah, I’m okay. Just came over sick. Probably drunk too much last night… Or maybe it was those sausage rolls. How long had they been in the fridge?
Jim
I’d say it was the booze, then. Your mum’s not one for keeping out of date food. She chucks it out early if anything.
Diane
I do. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Were you drinking much last night, then?
You were home with us.
Amber
I stayed up to see that film you two didn’t fancy. I had some wine while I was watching it, with the sausage rolls. Maybe I did have too much.
End of Scene
New scene
In A&E at the hospital.
Troy is called in to see a doctor.
He and Amanda sit down.
Doctor 2 (man)
What seems to be the matter, young man?
Troy
My leg hurts, and it’s getting worse.
Doctor 2
When did it start?
Troy
Er, the day before yesterday, I think. I hit it and forgot about it. It’s been swelling up.
Amanda
He said he remembered he hit the bench in the back garden, when he was playing with the dog, didn’t you, Troy?
Troy
Yes. I tried to ignore it at the time, and just carried on playing, but I think that’s what did it.
Doctor 2
Standing up and walking round to Troy.
Which leg, and whereabouts?
Troy
Pulls up his right trouser leg (trackies), wincing a little.
See, it’s getting worse. It’s all puffed up. It started at the bottom of my knee and it’s been going down the front of my right leg.
Doctor 2
Draws breath through teeth in a sympathetic way and moves over to the couch.
Come and climb up on here, so you can lie down, and I can get a good look. It does look very painful. You’ve been brave trying to ignore that.
Troy sits on the edge of the couch and swings his legs up, grimacing as he does so.
The doctor looks at the leg and feels around.
You can sit up. I’m going to send you for a scan. I want to rule out a blood clot. You may have chipped a bit of bone, although you’re young for that…
Amanda
A blood clot? Don’t old people get that, or people who sit down a long time, like in an aeroplane?
Doctor 2
Yes, that’s the most common. But I think there’s something in there that’s causing the body to fight back against it and causing that swelling. We’ll soon find out, then we can get it fixed.
Amanda
Gives the doctor a curious look, but helps Troy down and out of the room.
Do we just go back to the waiting room?
Doctor 2
Yes. Sorry there’s a lot of waiting around, but hopefully it won’t be too long. We speed things up for youngsters.
Troy
Frowns, mumbles:
I’m not a kid.
End of Scene
New Scene
Ellie’s hospital room. She is propped up a bit more than before, on pillows. Sarah and Andrew are with her. She’s just waking up.
Ellie
She looks at her parents and around the room.
Where’s Nan?
Sarah
Smiles at her daughter and strokes fringe back from her face.
At least you remembered Nan was here. Do you remember her from anywhere else?
Ellie
Eyes look away a moment, then back to Sarah.
No. I just remember she was here, and that she’s my grandmother, and we call her Nan.
Sarah
Well, that’s promising. You’re making new memories and can… remember them.
Andrew
You’re going to be just fine, Ellie. I can tell. Already, you seem so much more alert and aware of what’s going on. And you knew you like cats. You’ll get there. It just takes time.
Nan
Comes into the room with a cardboard drinks’ carrier and a paper carrier back over her wrist.
Here we are. Two coffees, a tea, and a hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
Ellie
Looking towards her.
I like hot chocolate with the bits on top.
Nan
I know. I got it just how you like it.
Andrew
See, that’s another thing you’ve remembered.
Ellie
Smiles, then frowns.
Is it a memory? I just knew I liked it, but I don’t remember drinking it.
Sarah
It’s a memory, of sorts.
Just enjoy your hot choccy and relax. You will be alright, you know.
Nan
Hands out the drinks, putting Ellie’s on the over-bed table. She sits and puts the bag on the side of the bed.
Right, Christmas snacks. Can you guess what I’ve got you, Ellie?
Ellie
Thinks a moment.
Gingerbread man?
S/A/Nan
Yes! Another of your favourites.
Ellie
Grins broadly and takes the gingerbread man her Nan gives her folded in paper.
End of Scene
New Scene
A&E waiting room
Troy falls over, just before reaching the chairs
Amanda
Troy!
She looks around
Help me!
People move close
End of Scene
End of Episode 5
Special Episode 6!
Laura felt rubbish. The last thing she wanted was her best friend adding to it. She had told Amy that. But Amy insisted they sat down and talked before their shift started.
“We need to get clocked in, find out what we’re supposed to be doing, I need to go to the loo first, and if we’re not all ready by the time we open in…” Laura looked at her watch. “Five minutes!”
“Well, see if we can get our breaks at the same time, yeah?” said Amy, frowning.
“She won’t always let us. Look, I’ve got to go. Catch up with you later.” Laura headed to the Ladies at speed.
Hanging up her damp coat and putting her bag in her locker, Amy spotted the manager. The top manager, over the lesser managers, who expected everyone to be ready by the time the doors to the shop were unlocked, even if there were no customers waiting. Her stomach had become a heavy knot.
“Morning, Mrs Boss—I mean, Goss.” The pink on her cheeks changed to dark red, as Amy rushed to read the rota on the wall. Today she’d be out front with the customers, while Laura worked in the stock room.
If I’m right, I hope Laura doesn’t have to lug anything heavy about. Although maybe that would be the universe’s way of sorting it out.
“Amy, can you take your break at twelve, please? When Henry comes back.” Mrs Goss sounded polite and less stressed now. There had been a steady stream of customers, and nobody had handed out the wrong item or had to refuse an unsuitable return. A happier Mrs Goss allowed Amy’s shoulders to unhunch, to a degree.
Henry returned from his break spot on time, and Amy left to take hers, her heart beating fast again as she looked for Laura in the stock room.
“Luke, d’you know where Laura is?”
Luke looked around. “Er, no, sorry. Maybe she’s in the loo again. I think she’s got a bug. I just don’t want her giving it to me.” He grimaced.
“Thanks.” Laura headed to the Ladies and pushed open the door. “Laura? Are you in here?”
All Amy could hear was a shuffling of shoes, and then a toilet flushed. A moment later a bolt slid across, and a cubicle door creaked open. Laura emerged looking very pale and dabbing at her lips with some tissue.
Amy felt her stomach plummet. She went over to her friend as she washed her face and hands and dried herself at the machine. Wanting to wrap her arms around her, a tension inside wouldn’t let her, in case Laura blew up at her again.
When the sound akin to a jet engine ceased, Amy spoke softly. “Do you know what time your break is yet?”
“Not until one. When’s yours?”
“Now.”
“Go on up to the canteen then, else you won’t have time for anything to eat.”
“You’re more important than that.” Laura was in front of Amy, who wondered if she dare go for that hug. Maybe not. “Laura, have you been sick again?”
“Yes, but I’m getting better. I don’t want to take any more time off.”
“That’s not the point. Laura, are you pregnant?”
Laura’s face crumpled and tears overflowed her eyes. “I don’t know. I think I may be.”
Tears pricking in her own eyes, Amy knew it was now hug time. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
Having cried for a full five minutes, Laura at last gave a little laugh as she dried her eyes. “What am I like? A wimp or what?”
Able to feel her heart lighten, Amy stroked Laura’s hair. “If you’re a wimp, I’m a double wimp.”
Laura managed another small chuckle. “Why didn’t I dare tell you? You are the one person I can trust not to judge me.”
“I expect saying it out loud might make it seem real and scary. Anyway, we don’t know yet, do we? You haven’t done a test?”
“God, no. I’m too terrified.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll pop out and get one, and we can find out together after work.”
Tears trickled down Laura’s cheeks again. “Now look what you’ve made me do. You being nice!”
Amy took Laura’s face between her hands, bent her head down gently, and planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Another face wash, then go out there head held high and don’t worry. I’m on it, and all will be well. Promise.”
The girls took the bus the short distance to Amy’s house, to shorten the time until that test could to be done. “Once you know one way or the other,” she told Laura, “We can work out what to do. You’ll feel so much better having a plan.”
Tension gripped Amy’s limbs, and she could only imagine how Laura must be feeling. But at least she was doing something. Amy could only wait. But she couldn’t sit still. She paced her friend’s bedroom, waiting for her to come out of the bathroom. Glancing at the large pink clock she couldn’t believe it had only been one minute.
Slowly another minute passed, then another. Amy’s head felt light. I bet she can’t go now, ‘cos she’s too scared.
Should I tell her to relax and let nature take its course?
No, that’ll make her feel worse.
The wait had been over six minutes, by the time she heard the toilet flush. Her gut squeezed even tighter. Keep calm, for Laura’s sake.
Hearing the bathroom door, Amy forced a smile onto her face.
Another age passed, and then Laura was back in the room, stick in hand. “I think I can see a faint line.”
“When did you start timing it?”
“Oh, er…” Laura looked at her watch. “Eight minutes past.”
Amy walked over and put her arm around Laura. “Can I have a look?”
As Laura held the stick for Amy to see, Amy’s blood rushed in her ears. It wasn’t the full time yet, but that line was unmistakable.
She forced what she hoped would be the right amount of smile back onto her lips, hoping her expression would match Laura’s feelings, whatever they would turn out to be.
But Laura was staring at the stick.
At last she looked up, a crooked smile on her face. “That line’s not going away.”
Laura’s expression was like something from a manga magazine. Her eyes had grown huge. Amy couldn’t help it as her smile widened. “How do you feel?”
“Erm, I’m not really sure. I think it’s better now that I know. Since you said you’d get the test and you’d do it with me I’ve felt better, to be honest. It’s been a few weeks I’ve had the thought I might be pregnant at the back of my mind, but I pushed it down. I didn’t think it would be a good idea to dwell on it. But this afternoon I’ve been pretty sure the result would be positive, so I’ve kinda been thinking about… What if I’m having a baby?”
Trying to read her friend’s expression, Amy was still unsure, but she suspected Laura might be beginning to feel excited. But then, what would Ted’s reaction be? That could swing Laura’s decision.
Laura’s child will be the same age as we are now, and we’ll still be two years shy of forty.
Beaming, Laura suddenly declared, “I want this baby. I already love this baby. I don’t want to be parted from it. Does that sound stupid?”
“I’ve got to admit it sounds exciting. It’s hard to think of the downside at the moment. Can it call me Aunty Amy?”
Tears broke out down Laura’s rounded cheek as her lips pushed out sideways. “I want to cry, but I want to shriek with excitement.”
“I’m sure that’s quite normal.” Amy was crying gently now, too.
She messaged her mum to say she was with Laura and would be home later today. She expected Amy would like her to be around for the reaction when she told her parents. Or would she want to tell Ted first, to see what he had to say about it.
It panned out that Laura’s father arrived home shortly after her mother, and she decided to be straight with her parents.
Her mother had cried and hugged her daughter. Her dad responded stiffly to the information at first, but soon calmed down and told her they’d back her whatever she wanted to do.
“I’m going to try to tell Ted tonight. Get it all out there. See what he has to say.”
“Don’t panic if he panics,” said Amy, “If you know what I mean. He’s a bloke. His first reaction might be to go into shock and blame you. It’s different for them.”
Laura’s gaze roamed around the room a moment. “Can you imagine what it must be like if you were going to become a parent, but you only had your partner’s word for it that it was yours. And you couldn’t feel anything physically, even as months passed?”
Laughing at the thought, Amy agreed. “It would be really strange. I’m not pregnant, but I couldn’t imagine having the father’s role in having a baby.”
Laura had contacted Ted, and arranged to meet him at the pub. Allowing Ted to believe Amy was interested in his friend Billy, she had succeeded in persuading him to agree to a foursome. She wanted Amy around in case he blew a gasket when she told him she was pregnant.
As Amy and Laura walked over to the table where the young men were seated, Ted stood up to greet Laura with a hug and a quick kiss.
That’s something, at least, thought Amy.
“What strange request do you have for a drink, babe?”
“Can I have a Coke and peppermint again? That was nice when I had it before.”
“Of course you can. Amy?”
“I’ll have a cider, please.”
“Hi, Billy, how are you?” Amy asked, smiling, hoping to put him into a good, friendly mood.
“I’m fine, thanks. How are you? Good day?”
“Eventful.”
“You alright, Laura?”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
The three sat in silence a while.
What can I say to get a conversation going? Amy’s tummy felt tight. All she could think of was babies, right at that moment. He thoughts roamed her brain for something that Billy might want to talk about. “Have you finished your apprenticeship yet?
“I’m getting there. Hopefully I’ll be qualified by the summer. It’s been pretty much going with school terms. Well, I have to go to college one day a week.”
“But you won’t be called a mechanic, will you? That’s for the petrol type cars, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’ll be an electric vehicle technician, or an auto electrician. Although I think people will still say mechanic for quite a while.” Billy smiled. Amy was pleased she’d thought to ask. He’s quite attractive when he smiles.
“Are you going to be an engineer eventually?” Laura asked.
“Yes, that’s the long-term plan. I’d love to design things for cars, to improve them. I’ll have to see how it goes though.”
Ted returned with the girls’ drinks and pulled a chair close to Laura.
That’s a good sign, though Amy.
The conversation flowed easily with Ted with them. Amy wondered when Laura was going to tell Ted her news. Would she come out with it mid-chat right there in the pub?
I need to get Billy away… Darts!
Not very keen or skilled at darts, Amy nevertheless did well enough to seem like she had genuinely wanted a game. She tried hard to concentrate on what she was doing, keeping an eye on her friend as she removed her darts and stood back for Billy to take his turn.
About to throw again, Amy was distracted by clumsy movement a few yards away. Ted was striding towards the Gents.
“Hang on a minute, Billy.” Amy rushed over to her friend and looked into her eyes.
“I told him. I don’t think he’s happy.” Tears were welling in Laura’s eyes.
“Take some slow deep breaths. Try to hold it in if you can. Just for a bit.”
Amy watched as Laura did as she was told.
“What did he say?”
“Was I sure? He just looked everywhere but at me, then marched off to the Gents.”
Amy looked at Billy, who frowned and put his head on one side. Keeping her arm on the table, she raised a hand. “We knew Ted would be shocked. You were, and you had weeks to get your head round the possibility.”
Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Amy saw Ted returning. “He’s coming back. He doesn’t look too bad.” She stood and went over to Billy. “My turn I believe.”
“What’s happening?” Billy whispered.
“Just give them time. I can’t say at the moment.”
Amy studiously threw her three darts, wrote down the score, and only as she turned to go back did she glance at Laura and Billy. What’s he going to do?
